Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

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←DECEMBER 28th UPDATE


JANUARY 11th UPDATE→


Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.
CLICK here for daily flag status

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Website is updated every Friday - Important interim updates will be posted when necessary

CLICK to go to HGSRA webpage
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HFRA Quarterly Gathering

Next Tues. - Jan. 8th, Noon - Hamden Elks' Lodge - 175 School Street

Menu: Homemade Chili with hot buttered rolls and Caesar Salad - $6.00 - All welcome

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Station 2 Hits Century Mark!

CLICK on this photo for more on Station 2
Humphrey Station Opened
January 1, 1913
 
According to a brief history published in the June 10, 1934 program for the Second Annual Hamden Firemen's Memorial Service, "On Jan. 1st, 1913, [the Humphrey fire company] moved into the present building which was built on a lot given to the Association by Mr. Mayo."
 
The Humphrey volunteers gave the building to the town in 1949, provided they would have exclusive use of the second floor in perpetuity.  Station 2 underwent extensive renovations in 1951, converting it into a three-bay facility with the repair shop in the rear.  It is presently undergoing yet another facelift.
 
Although the Humphrey fire company has not fought fires in over six decades, it continues to meet regularly as a social group on the second floor of the building.
 
Posted 1/1/2013

A Rare Look at the Upstairs at Station 2
 
The key to the second floor was always available to the Station 2 officer in case of emergency.  In April 1988, the officer at Station 2 conducted a quick tour of the upstairs "Volunteers' Room" at Station 2.  A lot of history there!
Posted 1/1/2013

CLICK image to enlarge
CLICK image to enlarge
CLICK image to enlarge
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A Pre-Christmas Visit to Station 3
 
The doors of Hamden fire stations are always open to those of us who once worked there.  The folks on the job today welcome all alumni.  They genuinely appreciate those of us who came before them.    Members of Platoon 4 recently invited retired B/C Tom Doherty and a fellow retiree to visit Station 3 for lunch.  They were joined by another much better looking veteran of the HFD, our own Jeanie Aceto.  Prior to her August 31 retirement, Jeanine had served as a secretary in the fire chief's office longer than anyone else.
 
Firefighter Dave Beaton, VP of Local 2687, gave the visitors a thorough tour of the new Smeal tower ladder.  Retired B/C Tom Doherty was truly impressed at the techological advances of the past sixteen years since his own retirement as shift commander of Platoon 3.
 
We want to thank Dave and all the other Station 3 personnel who extended such a warm welcome that Thursday a few weeks ago.  They want all retirees to know that they are welcome anytime.
 
Posted 1/4/13
 
The photos below may be enlarged by CLICKING on them.

Ff. Dave Beaton, retired B/C Doherty and Jeanine Aceto
Lt. Paul Kobbe, Ff. Doug O'Rourke and Capt. Gary Couture
Dep. Marshal Brian Dolan observes as Tom checks out the driver's perch of the new Tower 1.  When he was a firefighter, Tom was a driver of the 1958 Maxim aerial ladder out of Station 2.

Welcome to the 21st Century!  Ff. Beaton demonstrates the television screen mounted above the windshield that provides a full rear view for the driver.

When someone retires after decades in the fire service, it is not necessarily the end of his or her interest in what was once a fulfilling career.  Many people on the job today appreciate that fact, and seem to take a special delight in sharing the newest developments in fire service technology with their earlier counterparts.

Beaton, Dolan and Doherty
And as we were leaving . . .
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30 YEARS AGO!
 
Treadwell Office Park Fire
Tuesday, January 4, 1983
 
 
Two news accounts of the January 4, 1983 general alarm fire at the Treadwell Office Park.  Interviews with Chief V. Paul Leddy and several occupants.  See quick glimpses of pump operator Paul Frodel and Art Heriot.
 
Click on the photo at right to watch the YouTube video.
 
Originally posted 8/6/09

CLICK photo to view video
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1968 - Car fire on Whitney Avenue across from St. Mary's Cemetery. Ff. Dave Howe is assisted by two vollies from Co. 5. Dep. Chief George Reutenauer, wearing his dress hat, can be seen in the left rear. The classic 1963 Lincoln Continental four-door convertible will need some TLC. (Photo by John Mongillo, Jr.)
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To our brothers and sisters who continue to serve in the fire, police and EMS services in Hamden and elsewhere, the members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc. wish you and yours a very Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.

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←DECEMBER 28th UPDATE


JANUARY 11th UPDATE→


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