In a somber ceremony today, Waterbury Fire Fighters gathered as John Keane's name was added to the fallen fire fighters memorial. The seventeenth annual memorial ceremony had to be moved indoors because of the rain. As in past years, the ceremony honored all Waterbury Fire Fighters who died in the line of duty, as well as all former fire fighters who passed away since the last ceremony.

The ceremony was well attended by fire fighters, police officers, family members and elected officials. Guest speakers included Congressman Chris Murphy, Mayor Michael Jarjura, Fire Chief Michael Maglione, and State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette.

Local 1339 President Fernando Ramirez vowed to make it his mission to make sure that there are no more names added to the memorial.

Fire fighter Joe Bogdanski presented the Family of John Keane with an American Flag that was flown over a US Marine Base in Iraq. That flag was flown on Memorial Day 2007 in honor of John Keane.

Local 1339 would like to thank the following for their participation today:

Congressman Chris Murphy, Mayor Michael Jarjura, Chief Maglione, Fire Department Chaplain Reverend Ronald  Ferraro, State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette, and Reverand Thomas Mallory Jr. 

We also wish to thank Miss Chelsea Mehmet, from the Waterbury Arts Magnet School, for singing our national Anthem, Lieutenant Kevin McKeon from West Shore Fire District for performing Taps, Fire Fighter Joe Bogdanski, The Connecticut Firefighters pipes and drums, and the Waterbury Police Department.

Click here to view slide show.

More photos will be posted as we get them. If you have any photos you would like to share please email them to admin@waterburyfire.org

After a fourteen month deployment in the Middle East,  Joe Bogdanski was welcomed home by his family friends and colleagues.

On Saturday, May 3rd, at a ceremony at the Northside Firehouse,  fire fighters paid tribute to Joe, his wife Sandy, and their daughter Sophie, for their sacrifice on our behalf.

In January 2007, Joe was activated for his second deployment for operation Iraqi freedom. He was deployed with nearly one-hundred Sea-bees from the 30th Naval Construction Regiment. Stationed in Kuwait, managing logistics and supplies, Joe's duties frequently brought him into Iraq on re-supply missions. The regiment provided critical construction for the Second Marine Expeditionary Force in support of operation Iraqi Freedom.

On January 27, 2007 his family, friends, fellow fire fighters and elected officials gathered at Northside, and watched as Joe's wife Sandy was lifted in the bucket of Truck 2, and placed a Blue Star Flag on a flag pole. The flag is flown as a symbol that you have a family member serving in a war. That flag has flown proudly at Northside until yesterday.

Once again, family, friends, colleagues and elected officials were in attendance as Joe, Sandy and Sophie went up in the bucket and took the flag down symbolizing his safe return home.

After the ceremony, everyone went down to the Union Hall and celebrated with a welcome home party.

With full hearts, much appreciation is extended to Joe, Sandy, and Sophie for their dedication and sacrifice during these last fourteen months of deployment.

Welcome Home Joe

View Photo Gallery of Ceremony

Today House Bill No. 5629 passed the Ct. State Senate by a vote of 35 – 0.

President Carozza would like to personally thank the Local Presidents and their members for lobbying their representatives in getting this bill passed.

In addition, President Carozza would like to personally thank Paul Rapanault, Director of Legislative Affairs and Staff Representative Thomas DiScipio for of their Lobby efforts.

House Bill 5629 now goes to the Governor for her Signature.

Full details will be reported tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at the Delegates meeting at the Waters’ Edge Resort and Spa, in Westbrook.

Fraternally,

On April 22, the house overwhelmingly voted in favor of HB 5629, An Act Concerning Workers Compensation Coverage for Police Officers and Fire Fighters. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Please call your State Senator and ask that they support this bill.

We have begun planning the 2008 Awards ceremony. Anyone with award nominations is asked to submit them to the awards committee.

Additional information will be provided as it is planned.

The 17th annual Waterbury Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony will be held on Friday May 9, 2008 at 10:00AM. As in years past, it will take place at the fallen fire fighters and police officers monument in front of city hall.

This year we will be remembering Captain John Keane and his name will be added to the monument.

Any off duty members who wish to attend the ceremony are asked to meet at station 10 at 0930 hrs.

Dress for all members will be class A uniform with white gloves.

On duty companies will be notified by their deputy chief regarding on-duty attendance.

In the event of inclement weather, contact the special services unit at 597-3453 to check the status of the ceremony.

Welcome Home Party

For

Joe Bogdanski

                        When: Saturday May 3, 2008

                        Time: 5:00PM until ???

                        Where: Waterville Firehouse

                        Come celebrate Joes safe return and welcome him home.

                        Tickets are $25.00 per person and includes food, beer and wine

 
For Tickets contact:

 Mari Kenney (Chiefs office)

Dan Fiore (BFP)  Troy Poynton (T2-B)

DC Stankus (C-5)   Bryan D'Angelo (T1-C)