| Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc. |
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
Website is updated every Friday - Important interim updates will be posted when necessary
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| CLICK to go to HGSRA webpage |
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75 Years Ago
September 21st
The Great New England Hurricane of 1938
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| Centerville - Looking north on Whitney Avenue, just north of School Street - CLICK ON THE PHOTO |
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Probably the single greatest weather event to impact Hamden in the 20th century was the Hurricane of 1938, which occurred 75 years ago this weekend. Hundreds of trees were downed and electric and telephone service was out in many areas for days, even weeks.
In all, over 682 lives were lost, mostly in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. According to author Leslie H. Tyler, who published "The New England Hurricane" (1938), "The wind velocity was officially recorded at 186 miles per hour at the Harvard Meteorological Observatory at Blue Hill . . . on the edge of the storm."
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| Station 4 Fifteen Years Ago - Rescue 1 - 1998 Ford 3-D |
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| Old Whitneyville Badge a Gift to the HFRA
Dick and Joan Kennel of Marietta, Georgia were passing through Connecticut last week on their vacation. For many decades, Mr. Kennel had been in possession of badge #48 from the Whitneyville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3. He believes the badge may have belonged to either of his two grandfathers, both of whom lived in Whitneyville and both of whom may have belonged to the fire company.
Having learned of the Hamden Fire Retirees' Association a few months earlier, and wishing to give the badge a good home, Dick and his wife Joan stopped by the HFRA secretary's home to donate the badge to our archives.
We are presently combing through our files and those of the Hamden Historical Society to find out if records of badge numbers were kept by Co. 3, and to see if Dick Kennel's grandfathers were members. Thank you, Mr. Kennel - much appreciated!
Posted 9/20/13
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Ray's Last Day on the Line
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| September 1994 - Capt. Dave Johnson, Firefighters Harold Prescher, John Longo, Mark Pratt, Ray Chase and Batt. Chief Tom Doherty. This was Ray's last day on Platoon 3 before taking the position of Asst. Supt. of Alarms & Apparatus. Ray joined the Department in July 1970 and retired on July 1, 1999. |
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| Truck 2 in 1978 |
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Memorable First Ride on a Fire Truck 35 Years Ago
September 26, 1978 at Station 3 began with Lt. Frank Eitler temporarily assigning a recruit firefighter to Truck 2 for the day because Training Officer D/C Ken Harrington was off duty for a doctor's appointment. About ten minutes after 8 a.m. roll call a box assignment was dispatched to 10 Eleanor Street for a kitchen fire. Engines 1 and 2 responded with Rescue 2 out of Station 2.
At Station 3, Truck 2's driver and the recruit firefighter climbed aboard the 1970 Maxim aerial. "Truck 2, 10-1." It was the recruit firefighter's first ride on a piece of fire apparatus!
With lights flashing and siren blaring, Truck 2 proceeded cautiously down a very narrow Waite Street. A small line of cars was queued up at the corner of Whitney, where a Hamden police officer was directing traffic due to an earlier traffic accident. When the cop saw the ladder truck approaching, he held up his hands to stop traffic in all directions and waved Truck 2 through the intersection.
A woman heading north on Whitney said later that she didn't see the cop's hand signal to stop, and the blind corner at Waite and Whitney prevented the driver of Truck 2 from seeing the woman's '72 LeMans approaching from the south. Her car reached the intersection at the same time as Truck 2, which slammed into her left quarter panel. The LeMans spun around scaring the hell out of all involved, especially Patrolman Vic Zygmont, who narrowly avoided being hit.
Pulling to the side of the road, Truck 2's driver yanked the microphone from the dashboard bracket, "Truck 2 to Headquarters, we've been involved in a minor accident at Waite and Whitney. You'd better send Truck 1 to Eleanor Street." Fortunately, there were no injuries and the truck came through undamaged.
The driver of Truck 2 was at a loss for words. What do you say to a new firefighter taking his first ride on a fire truck when something like this happens? What can you say? Slipping the mike back onto the bracket, the driver of Truck 2 smiled at the new recruit sitting beside him and sighed, "Have you considered maybe a career in hair dressing?"
The woman driving the LeMans was cited for failing to obey a policeman's signal and not granting the right-of-way to emergency apparatus. She also was the secretary to the president of the Board of Fire Commissioners, who managed a local bank.
In 2010, the recruit firefighter completed thirty-two years with the department, retiring as a battalion chief. The driver of Truck 2 spent another twenty-plus years with the department and, in retirement, has chronicled stories such as these as your webmaster. The kitchen fire on Eleanor Street turned out to be very minor, which was good news to the recruit. It was his wife's parents' house. (You just can't make this stuff up!)
Posted 9/20/13
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A Little Hamden History
As the driver of Truck 2 spent the rest of September 26, 1978 at the watch desk completing his accident report for Chief Leddy, a noontime news program on Channel 8 featured an interview with some members of the Branford Electric Railway Association. They were observing the 30th anniversary of the last trolley run in Connecticut, on September 26, 1948. Hmmm! The only other time a Hamden truck company was involved in an accident was in 1941 - with a trolley.
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| Hamden Chronicle, Septemnber 23, 1948 (Courtesy of the Hamden Historical Society) |
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| Hamden Chronicle - September 23, 1948 |
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| 1934 - A Connecticut Co. trolley at Dixwell & Pershing (William Watts photo) |
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| 1941 - Dixwell and Mather - Hamden Ladder Truck vs. Trolley |
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The 1965 Mack Signaled a Return to RED
In August 1965 the Hamden Fire Department acquired its one and only Mack pumper. It was the first new apparatus since 1959, and first new apparatus since 1954 to be painted red. Chief V. Paul Leddy, head of the department for nearly five years, was unalterably opposed to white and there was no way the first pumper acquired during his tenure was going to be any color but red. Check out The Hamden Chronicle article below.
Posted 9/13/13
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| Hamden's 1965 Mack 750 GPM Pumper |
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| Tha Hamden Chronicle, Thursday, September 2, 1965 (Article courtesy of Chan Brainard) |
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| Member Letitia Flagge |
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| Mrs. Flagge Turns 100
Mrs. Letitia "Tish" Flagge, the first Hamden Fire Department secretary and one of our first honorary members, celebrated her centennial birthday on July 13th. Formerly of School Street, Mrs. Flagge now resides at Regency House of Wallingford.
When Mrs. Flagge started in 1958, she was secretary to Chief Raymond C. Spencer and Marshal Al Purce, and then Chief V. Paul Leddy and Marshal Bob O'Donnell before she retired in 1978.
Upon learning of Mrs. Flagge's milestone late last week, albeit a few weeks late, the HFRA E-Board sent her flowers and a card from the HFRA membership, which were delivered to her personally last Saturday afternoon.
Mrs. Flagge, sharp as ever, was delighted to be remembered by her fellow retirees on her special birthday. She is in very good spirits and sends her thanks and love to all "her firemen," who she said were "always there for me" (as she was for us).
Posted 9/13/13
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| 1860 Gould Hand Pumper |
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| 1946 Mack Model 75 |
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| CLICK to enlarge |
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| This year's Engine 260 Muster at Milford's Eisenhower Park, a September tradition among Southern Connecticut fire buffs, featured an 1860 Gould hand pumper owned by Ken and Joshua Pankovic, and a handsome 1946 Mack Model 75 owned by Salvatore J. Pitruzzello of Portland, Connecticut.
One of the dozens of fire apparatus making an appearance was New Haven's former Engine 15, a Seagrave "shorty" (below), built on a short wheelbase to fit into Station 15 on Fountain Street.
At left is the "beer mug" sold at the first Engine 260 Muster in 1972. Subsequent years have featured more conventional glass mugs with handles.
Posted 9/13/13
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From Cop Cars to James Dean's "Chopped and Decked" Classic:
Hamden and its Mercury Patrol Cars
The 1955 film classic "Rebel Without a Cause" made every kid in those days want to own the same kind of two-door postwar Merc that a real cooool James Dean cruised around in. Ahhh, but the Hamden Police Department had them first.
Posted 9/13/13
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| This 1950 photo from the archives of the Hamden Historical Society shows an unidentified Hamden police sergeant next to several new Mercury squad cars parked outside Hamden's police station, which was located in the south end of the Town Hall until the new station was opened in 1951. |
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| For over four years the Hamden Fire Retirees Association website has been committed to preserving the history of the Hamden Fire Department. We are especially grateful to the members of the Hamden Historical Society, and archivist Joseph Pepe, for their valuable and generous assistance in providing important historical photos and data that would be otherwise unavailable to us.
We encourage our members and other website visitors to visit the website of the Hamden Historical Society. CLICK on the Jonathan Dickerman House drawing at left.
Posted 9/13/13
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From The Hamden Chronicle, Thursday, September 10, 1953:
Red Cross Vehicle Serves Double Purpose
Not a real emergency but it could be. After taking delivery of a new station wagon recently, the Hamden Branch of the American Red Cross demonstrates the use to which it could be put. The vehicle is intended primarily for the use of the Red Cross, but officials have announced that it is available to the Hamden Police and Fire Departments for use as an ambulance in emergencies. Here Fireman Robert Williams plays the part of an accident victim while Firemen Robert O'Donnell, Burton C. Hillocks and David Howe prepare to put the "victim" into the ambulance. Looking on at the left are Fire Chief Raymond C. Spencer and Mrs. Seymour Page of the Red Cross.
Posted 9/6/13
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| The Hamden Chronicle, September 10, 1953 (Photo by I.A. Sneiderman) |
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Chief Spencer and His Cigars
When we spotted this small article from a 1952 edition of The Hamden Chronicle, we knew it was time to finally relate a true story - yes, true! - about Chief Spencer, a cigar, and a guy named Fred. Enjoy!
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| The Hamden Chronicle, September 4, 1952 |
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| Joe had just finished his night shift at Fire Headquarters (now Station 4). Just before leaving for home, and ever the prankster, Joe handed three cigars to his unsuspecting brother-in-law, Fred, who was working the day shift at 4's. Fred carefully slipped Joe's cigars into the breast pocket of his work shirt, saving them for after lunch.
Chief Spencer, a well-known cigar lover himself, arrived at Fire Headquaters just before lunch. He was delivering the weekly paychecks. Not wishing to pass up any opportunity to ingratiate himself to the boss, Fred pulled one of Joe's cigars from his breast pocket. "Here, Chief, have one of these." The Chief smiled and graciously accepted Fred's cigar. He lit up as he pulled out of Headquarters on his way to Station 2.
They say that Chief Spencer was puffing away on Fred's cigar at the traffic light in front of the high school when it exploded.
Posted 9/6/13
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| August 10, 2002 - Firefighters Austin "Augie" Williams, Roberta Angiletta, Harold Mangler, Joe Anderson, Lt. Sam DeBurra and B/C John Spencer (Photo by Bob Mordecai) |
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50 Years Ago!
In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the Hamden Fire Department had at least one softball team (sometimes two!) in the Greater New Haven Firemen's Softball League. This end of the season photo was taken at Montewese in September 1963, in which at least four Hamden firefighters can be identified. Can any others be named? Let us know. (CLICK to enlarge)
Sal "Cookie" Ferraro and George Reutenauer (top row, first and second from left). Art Heriot (3rd row, last guy on left). John O'Hare (2nd row, second from left). Photo courtesy of John O'Hare.
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| September 1963 - CLICK to enlarge |
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| MAY 1939 - 1938 Diamond-T Squad e/w 150 GPM pump and 1938 Seagrave Canopy Cab 600 GPM pumper. L-R: Roland Ruwet, 1st Asst. Chief Raymond C. Spencer, Joseph Dukat, and Robert Reutenauer |
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| Firefighter Gerald R. Wolf (1927-2013) |
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Firefighter Gerald R. Wolf
(1927 - 2013)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter and HFRA member Gerald "Jerry" Wolf on August 30th. Jerry served on the Hamden Fire Department from 1957 until his retirement in 1991.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Laura Wetmore Wolf, his son John Wolf of Hamden, and his daughter Linda Campagna and husband Thomas of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, and five grandchildren.
Jerry's Funeral Service took place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, at Beecher and Bennett followed by burial with military honors at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Contributions in Jerry's memory may be sent to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family.
Revised 8/31/13
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O'Connell's Lawn Mower Shop
923 Dixwell Avenue
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| From The New Haven Register, Monday, June 2, 1969 (Articles courtesy of Chan Brainard) |
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The 21st Annual Hamden Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, September 9th at Laurel View Country Club.
Each year this tournament raises money for a scholarship fund benefiting the children of Hamden Police Officers as well as Hamden High School students who are continuing their education in Criminal Justice. Registration fee is $160 and includes:
- 8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Registration
- Player Gift Package
- 10:00 a.m. Shotgun (Scramble Format)
- Lunch on the Course including beverages
- 18 holes of golf at Laurel View C.C. with a cart
- Hole-in-One car prize sponsored by Bob Thomas Ford of Hamden
- Dinner to follow at the course, including steak and chicken
- Complimentary Driving Range
- Sports Memorabilia Auction by Mike Riccio of "Legends of the Game," Westport
Featured Highlights Include:
A $10,000 Hole-in-One by holeinone.com and Hamden PBA and so much more!
For more information call:
Michael DiMaria - 203-230-4000, ext. 4519
Betty Montijo - 203-695-1581 / bmontijo@hamdenpd.com
Dave Falcigno - 203-281-8220
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| 1982 - Dep. Chief Training Officer John Tramontano and Ff. Don Buechele at Sleeping Giant |
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| November 1984 - Former Chief V. Paul Leddy with one of the two new Pierce Dash pumpers that were purchased during his final weeks on the job earlier that year. (Photo by John Tramontano) |
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| The New Haven Evening Register, Monday, August 17, 1959 - CLICK to enlarge (Courtesy of Chan Brainard) |
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| 1939 Pump Test |
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August 8, 1959
Firefighter Fred Fletcher Saves Infant
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| New Haven Sunday Register, August 9, 1959 (Courtesy of Anthony Zaino) CLICK to enlarge |
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| New Haven Evening Register, September 29, 1959 (Courtesy of Chan Brainard) CLICK to enlarge |
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HFD Provided Special Summer Service on the Farmington Canal Trail
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| August 11, 2002 - Firefighter/EMT Victor Jackson (Photo by Bob Mordecai) |
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| Sunday, August 11, 2002 - Hamden Firefighter/EMT Victor Jackson is shown on an HFD bicycle at the Sherman Avenue parking area near the Farmington Canal Trail.
On weekends during summer months in the early 2000s, the Hamden Fire Department provided a special service to canal line hikers and cyclists. An EMT on a department bicycle would patrol six miles of the Famington Canal Trail between Sanford Street and the Cheshire town line to provide water and, if needed, a speedy first response. Engine 9, one of the 1984 Pierce Dash pumpers, can be seen in the background.
Posted 8/9/13
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The Canal Line - When the Tracks Were Still There
The "Canal Line," begun in the late 1840s, connected New Haven with Northampton, Massachusetts. It basically followed the route of the relatively short-lived Farmington Canal, which had been completed in the mid-1830s. Passenger rail service on the Canal Line ended in the early 1930s, but freight service continued until the early 1970s. Hamden firefighters were kept busy when sparks emanating from the wheels of the freight cars ignited the tall dry grass that grew beside the roadbed.
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| At the old Sherman Avenue Bailey Bridge overpass. The bridge and this section of Sherman Avenue were completely eliminated in the early 1980s when Sherman Avenue west of Whitney was re-routed to its present location. CLICK to enlarge. |
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In April 1979, Hamden Firefighters' Association president Bob Slater and secretary Dave Johnson hiked the canal line tracks from Mt. Sanford Road to Sanford Street. At left, Bob is nearing the old Sherman Avenue overpass, carefully walking a rail to avoid the puddles of water that collected along the abandoned tracks.
In the photo below, the Canal Line tracks and the old Farmington Canal are shown side-by-side near Brooksvale Avenue. The demise of the rail line was ensured by the June 1982 Flood, which severely undermined the roadbed in many locations up and down the line. With a few exceptions, the Farmington Canal Trail follows the original railroad right of way from New Haven north to Southington.
Posted 8/9/13
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| The Canal Line next to the old Farmington Canal, just south of Brooksvale Avenue. CLICK to enlarge. |
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| (Photo by Bob Mordecai) |
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Capt. Bob Surprise and Ff. Mark Barletta pose in front of Truck 1, filling in for Tower 1, at Station 3 during ladder testing in the early 2000s. Still on the job, Bob is now Deputy Chief of the Department. Mark retired in 2006 as Fire Marshal and is now president of the HFRA.
Posted 8/9/13
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| (Photo by John Tramontano) |
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June !982 - Fire training session in the police training room in the basement of the recently razed old Miller Library building, where Central Communications was first located. L-R: Ff./Paramedic Bob Surprise, Ff. Rick Kenyon, Ff. Don Buechele, Ff. John Longo, and Ff./Paramedic Howie Hurlburt, Jr. and an unidentified newspaper reporter.
Posted 8/9/13
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| Firefighter Billy Giaquinto during ground ladder training behind Station 7 in June 1982. Bill was a member of the Class of July 1970 that brought the department up to full strength for the new 42-hour workweek. (Photo by John Tramontano) |
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The HOME page contains postings from the past FOUR weeks only.
All previous weekly updates, from April 1, 2011 on, may be viewed by going
to the menu tab "HOME (Archived)."
Articles about fires and other major incidents can be retrieved from the "Action!" tab.
Other articles may be retrieved by going to the "Past Articles" tab.
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| CLICK here to visit the official website of the Hamden Professional Firefighters, Local 2687, I.A.F.F. |
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NEVER FORGET!
We will always remember our brother firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice, and the thousands of other innocent victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Always keep them, their families and the FDNY in your thoughts and prayers.
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