New Haven Firefighter Found Dead on Sidewalk at Home

HAMDEN >> Police are investigating the death of a New Haven firefighter who was found unconscious lying face down on a sidewalk Sunday at 3 a.m.

Police said Officer Christina Giori was approached by a resident of West Helen Street who stated that she found her neighbor, Linda Cohens, on the sidewalk.

Giori determined Cohens was unresponsive and appeared to have suffered a head injury, police said. Hamden Fire Rescue was called to the scene and Cohens was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Cohens was a long-time member of the New Haven Fire Department.

Detective Sean Dolan of the Hamden Police Department Major Crimes Division is conducting an investigation.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicated Sunday night that an autopsy had not yet been completed.

When asked if police suspect foul play or an accident, Hamden police Sgt. Michael Cirillo said Sunday police don’t know yet, and he said the investigation is in its preliminary stages.

Anyone who witnessed anything is asked to contact Hamden police at 203-230-4000.

 New Haven Fire Department Drillmaster Frank Ricci said via email Sunday, “Linda represented the very best of our service. She was a friend and consummate professional.”

 “Her contributions went beyond the emergency scene — she was always willing to give back to her community and she loved her family,” Ricci said. “For years she touched so many lives in the city. Linda will always be in our hearts and we will not forget this loss to our department and community.”

 New Haven firefighters have set up a scholarship fund for Cohens’ granddaughter in her memory.

 Cohens’ son, Brendan, died in 2008 in an accident, and she has been caring for her granddaughter, according to her friend and fellow firefighter Michael Neal.

 “Linda was the kindest, sweetest person, and a friend to all,” Neal said. “This is a loss to the fire department and community, and she will be missed tremendously. We will rally to make sure that little girl gets the support she needs. We will be there for her for the rest of her life.”

 Jim Kottage, president of the New Haven Firefighters Union Local 825, said Cohens was a firefighter and paramedic, and started with the department about 17 years ago.

 “We are all devastated,” Kottage said. “She brought an energy of love, and laughter and hugs. Her whole career she has helped others, and we are sad she won’t be with us anymore.”