West Haven Fire Department Historical Library, Inc.

07/30/2026

Congratulations to West Haven's three new recruits. Lucas Wells, Drew Rivera and Haygen Axelrod will make fine additions to the West Haven Fire Department. Welcome to the family!
(Photos by Paul Rapanault)

07/30/2026

A huge congratulations goes out to West Haven Fire Chief Jim O'Brien. He has been named, not only the 2026 CT Fire Chief of the Year, but also the 2026 New Haven County Fire Chief of the Year. Although some chiefs have received both these honors, no chief has ever received both in the same year. Well done and well deserved Chief O'Brien!
(Photos by Paul Rapanault)

07/17/2026

Yesterday, the City of West Haven - Allingtown District held a promotional ceremony. Not only was it a proud moment for the members being promoted and their families, it was historical as well.

For the first time in department history, there will be two officers on duty for each shift with the creation and promotion of the four Lieutenant positions. Prior to promotion, each shift only had a sole officer (Captain) on duty. The new Lieutenant will allow for an additional supervisory role to be assigned to another apparatus, which provides better safety, accountability, and scene span of control. With the new Lieutenant positions, the District is preparing to reopen the Admiral St. Station which has been inactive for over 25 years creating substantially improved response times for the area.

Two additional new positions are Assistant Chief - Fire Marshal and Part-Time Deputy Fire Marshal, both of which aid in increased fire prevention, fire safety, and district inspections.

Promoted members are:
▪️Captain Stephen Panza to Assistant Chief - Fire Marshal
▪️Michael DiMassa to Captain
▪️Joseph DeGrand to Deputy Fire Marshal and Lieutenant
▪️Peter Redding to Lieutenant
▪️Christopher Iadarola to Lieutenant
▪️Daniel Hall to Lieutenant

Congratulations to all of the newly promoted members!

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Ron Pisani on taking his last official stroll down Campbell Avenue. After a stellar 33 year career, next year he will march as a retiree for the first time.

05/25/2026

05/04/2026

We'll take it from here...

05/04/2026

Happy International Firefighter's Day!!

04/05/2026

Have a safe and Happy Easter. Let us not forget about our first responders who are keeping watch over us today. Thank you to all of you for keeping us safe.

04/04/2026

It was a great honor to attend the CT State Firefighter's Association's Hall of Fame dinner. My father-in-law, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Charles Raubeson was inducted along with seven other icons of Connecticut's fire service. Congratulations to all the inductees but most of all to my wife who accepted the award on her father's behalf. I have never been more proud of her. Thank you to the Association and to everyone who helped make this possible.