Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

Just two days before Christmas 1957, a two-alarm fire of unknown origin started in a rear storage area of an Eli Moore store at the Hamden Plaza.  The fire department was notified at 5:25 pm. and the fire was out about a half-hour after the first apparatus arrived.  Losses were estimated at more than $100,000.

The three photos above were among hundreds of slides donated to the HFRA last year by former Chief John Tramontano.  When he was the department's training officer, Chief Tramontano began the practice of photographing various drills in detail.  The resulting slide shows were used as training aids in future training sessions and for public education activities.  These photos, taken in the rear parking area of Station 3 in the summer of 1982, show some of the younger members of Platoon 3 training in mountain rescue techniques.

Firefighter Russell Smith demonstrates high expansion foam at Headquarters as Mayor John DeNicola, Sr. and Dep. Chief Training Officer Daniel Hume look on.  The other two firefighters are not identified in this Hamden Chronicle photo.  However, the pump operator appears to be George Patten and the other firefighter looks like Charlie Carlson.  At the time, all three firefighters were assigned to old Platoon 3, led by Dep. Chief James Strain.

The 1965 Mack 750 GPM, served as Engine 4 from August 1965 until October 1968.

(From November 1957 until December 31, 1965, John DeNicola, Sr. served as Hamden's last First Selectman.  He was subsequently elected as Hamden's first mayor under a new town charter that took effect January 1, 1966.  Mayor DeNicola's son, John Jr., served as Hamden's sixth mayor from 1985-87; and his daughter, Barbara, served as Hamden's ninth mayor from 1997-99.)