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NBC 30 WVIT Connecticut
Hundreds of firefighters arrived in Waterbury Wednesday for the funeral of city firefighter Jamie Quinones. A 6-year veteran of the department, Quinones was collecting money for charity when he was gunned down last weekend.
NBC 30
Quinones' took one final ride in a Waterbury fire truck.
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Black bunting hangs at the firehouse where Quinones worked. For family, fellow firefighters and friends, Wednesday was one last chance to say goodbye. A funeral procession made its way down Main Street and hundreds of firefighters saluted as Quinones’ casket made its way to the church. Outside the church there was a sea of blue and firefighters flanked his casket.
Inside the church, Waterbury’s Mayor Philip Giordano said the whole city mourns the loss of Quinones. "It is unconscionable, however, for that same firefighter to lose his life while collecting money for children afflicted with muscular dystrophy," he said.
During the mass, Father John Blackwell of the Immaculate Conception Church said it’s important fellow firefighters are there. "This bonding is a particularly beautiful witness to the unity that exists among firefighters whose lives always have the risk of death," Father Blackwell said. After the mass, Quinones’ casket was taken onto a fire truck to the cemetery.
NBC 30
Firefighter Jamie Quinones
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"I remember he was always good to my kids, made sure he always said hello," Waterbury Fire Dept. Chief John Trainor said. "I knew him but did not know him well," Fairfield Fire Dept. Lt. Jim Eastwood said.
Among the mourners were representatives of the Worcester, Massachusetts, fire department, which lost six of its own members fighting a warehouse fire in December. "We know their hurt. It’s a tough thing to get over and it’s a tough thing to go through and we’re just here to offer them any support we can give them," Frank Raffa of the Worcester Fire Dept. said. "He was a brother in the service, and when we lose a brother we send him off fittingly," said Worcester Lt. Ed Ryan. "This man, though I’ve never met him, is our brother."
We all are brothers and sisters and we’re always there to help one another and it’s good to see them [Worcester firefighters] here. I know we sent a contention up to Worcester when Worcester had their terrible tragedy and they’re here to share our sorrow now," Waterbury Fire Dept. Chief John Trainor said.
NBC 30
Quinones' casket was flanked by fellow firefighters.
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The 38-year-old Quinones was collecting money from motorists for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association "Fill the Boot" campaign Saturday when he was killed.
The rampage that began just before 11:00 a.m. when 29-year-old Mark Cote got into an
argument with his neighbor, 30-year-old Brian Miller, remains under investigation. Cote
shot Miller twice and then stole his car.
Cote then drove to the intersection where Quinones was killed. Police said Cote fired at
least eight shots at Quinones, then traveled to the home of an ex-girlfriend and shot her
mother, 40-year-old Maria Hernandez. Police said Cote let the ex-girlfriend and her three
children go before turning the gun on himself.
Firefighter Jaime Quinones, Jr. Memorial Fund
C/O Waterbury Firefighters Federal Credit Union
607 Watertown Avenue
Waterbury, CT 06708
Proceeds to be donated to The Muscular Dystrophy Association
If you would like additional information please contact the Waterbury FireDepartment, Emergency Communications Center at 203-597-3400.
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