Off-Duty CT FF Killed in Crash

A New Haven, Connecticut, firefighter, who joined the department earlier this year, was killed in a five-car collision, officials said.

It began when Thomas Mieles, 27, was involved in a one-car collision that left his Honda Accord disabled on Interstate 91 just north of New Haven on Wednesday, Nov. 2, according to a Connecticut State Police report. He was off duty at the time.

Two cars stopped in front of Mieles’ vehicle and attempted to assist him, according to the report. Then, a fourth car struck Mieles’ car, leading to a series of other crashes. Mieles, who was standing outside of his car, was hit by one of the vehicles.

First responders transported him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the report. Three other drivers were brought to area hospitals and treated for minor injuries.

“It is with great sadness of the heart [that] the New Haven Fire Department announces the passing of Firefighter Thomas Mieles,” read a statement from the New Haven Fire Department. He “fulfilled his dream of becoming a New Haven Firefighter this year by joining the department in January…”

Mieles was “very full of life, very enthusiastic,” said a New Haven firefighter at a Nov. 3 press conference, according to WTNH. “He loved his job.”

“Growing up in this neighborhood and being able to protect his own neighborhood, I understand how proud he was,” said fire chief John Alston at the press conference, according to the New Haven Independent. “Our hearts go out to his family, and his fiancée.”

The department has lost a member of each of the last three classes of firefighter recruits, officials said.

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