Crisco, Klarides honor Woodbridge firefighters

HARTFORD – State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Themis Klarides R-Derby, have prepared a special legislative citation to honor the Woodbridge Fire Department, its volunteer members, and their recent efforts to raise fire prevention awareness in the community. 

The lawmakers specifically cited this year’s second annual Fire Safety and Prevention Day, in memory of Woodbridge resident Eva Ryan Block, a college student who died in a January, 2012 house fire, as an example of the department’s extraordinary outreach efforts.

The formal citation reads as follows: “In Recognition of your hard work and dedication to the Town of Woodbridge, we express our sincerest gratitude to the members of the Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department, both past and present, for your tremendous efforts in response to emergencies, helping to save lives and property. Thank you for your service to the community and for continuing to keep residents safe in Woodbridge and the surrounding area.”

“The entire Woodbridge community was shaken 18 months ago after that tragic and preventable loss of life. Members of the town’s fire department – in conjunction with family members – took it upon themselves to extract some good from the sadness and have now held two successive Fire Safety and Prevention Days to help residents stay vigilant,” Crisco said. 
“The timing of this citation for the Woodbridge volunteers is particularly poignant given the sacrifice made by 19 elite firefighters in Arizona who died last weekend, reminding us of the courageous efforts made by first responders everywhere.”

Crisco said the Woodbridge Fire Department’s Fire Safety and Prevention Day includes a fire station open house, demonstrations of firefighting equipment, a chance to try on firefighting gear, and lessons about emergency rescue capabilities.

Residents are also reminded about the importance of and protocol for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and other fire prevention techniques.

“Woodbridge firefighters make us proud every day by bravely and selflessly taking time away from their jobs and loved ones to provide exceptional fire and rescue services to our community,”  Klarides said. “I would like to express my genuine gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering dedication to keeping our families and homes safe.”

This post is taken from a press release from Crisco's office.