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March 18, 2024
"I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice."

 Chief Edward F. Croker, FDNY
circa 1910

 

 

 

Memorials
Mar 04, 2011

 

Lt. Bruce M. Bachinsky, 47, died unexpectedly Tuesday October 26, 2010 while cycling through Woodbury. He was the husband of Helen (Schlosser) Bachinsky.

Bruce was born in West Hartford, son of Roy and Margaret (Dziobek) Bachinsky of Beacon Falls. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School Class of 1981. He earned associates degree in Computer Aided Drafting/Design and an associate’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Waterbury State Technical College.

He worked as an Aircraft Mechanic for Pilgrim Airlines in Windsor Locks before enlisting in the US Army. He completed Ranger training and served with the 2nd 75th Ranger Battalion at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Upon completion of his tour he continued his military career with the Connecticut National Guard, serving with the 2nd 102 Infantry Battalion Cadre Base in Meriden.

He worked at Precision Wire Cut Corporation in Waterbury before joining the Waterbury Fire Department on October 16, 1998. He was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Engine Company 8 on Bunker Hill Avenue. He coached Bunker Hill Girls basketball and softball for many years. He was a devoted husband and father and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Bruce was an avid cyclist, enjoyed working on his car, but above all he loved watching and supporting his daughter’s soccer, basketball and softball games.  Bruce was a decorated fire fighter earning 2 unit citations. The first one was in 1999 for working at a structure fire on Baldwin St. and the second one was in October 2005 for helping to rescue a man from the Naugatuck River.

Besides his wife of 18 years and parents he leaves; two daughters, Laura Bachinsky and Michelle Bachinsky of Waterbury; a brother, Craig Bachinsky of Beacon Falls; a sister, Daron Gawronski and her husband Jim of Beacon Falls; a brother in law, John Schlosser of Waterbury; two nieces, Emma & Dia Gawronski of Beacon Falls; and a best friend Todd Galick of Waterbury. He will be missed greatly by his Black Labrador Retriever “Twister”.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Bachinsky Children Trust Fund c/o Waterbury Fire Fighter Credit Union 601 Watertown Avenue Waterbury, CT 06708.

 


Feb 11, 2008

Captain John Keane

 

 

This page pays tribute to Captain John Keane who died in the line of duty on May 22, 2007. John was seriously injured May 19, 2007, after the Engine he was riding in was involved in an accident with a ladder truck responding to the same kitchen fire. Captain Keane passed away 3 days later.

John was best known for his passion and love of his family, wife Monica, daughter Erica and son John. Participating in every activity at St. Mary’s School, where the children attended, John helped in any way possible. John took Erica and John everywhere he went, constantly teaching and exposing them to educational experiences on a daily basis. Photographs of the kids adorned his locker, chronicling the various destinations they visited. John was often described by his siblings as, “the glue that kept this family together”. Always willing to lend a helping hand, be it raking leaves at his Aunt May’s house, or entertaining the kids at his brother Bruce’s house on the trampoline.

John graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury and from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in history. Instead of becoming a teacher, John chose to follow in the foot steps of his late grandfather, Waterbury Fire Department Battalion Chief Dennis Keane, and was hired by the Waterbury Fire Department in September 1994.

Shortly after he came on the job, people began to realize how special he was. He was quickly promoted to lieutenant and in January 2007 was promoted to Captain.

John was a tireless advocate for his fellow firefighters. During the 2006 legislative session he spent all of his free time at the state capitol fighting for the restoration of collective bargaining rights for Waterbury firefighters, and his efforts were successful. He was well known throughout the halls of the state capitol as always respectful, even when he disagreed with your opinion. Two words that could best describe John are articulate and humble. Shortly after his efforts at the state capitol he was elected to the secretary position of the Waterbury firefighters union.

Johns’ promising career was tragically cut short on May 22, 2007, so we may never know just how great of a loss we suffered. John will always be remembered by his family, friends, and foes alike as the consummate gentleman.

 

A memorial fund has been
established to benefit the family.
Donations can be made to:

Captain John Keane Family Fund
c/o Waterbury Firefighters Assoc.
30 West Main Street Suite 12
Waterbury, CT 06702





Page Last Updated: Mar 18, 2011 (18:38:00)
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