WATERBURY, Conn.-- Two Waterbury firefighters remain in area hospitals with serious injuries following a crash on Saturday involving 2-fire trucks.
There is an uneasy stillness at the Waterbury Fire Headquarters. A building that usually echoes with laughter from close colleagues is instead silent.
"I don't think I've seen it this quiet in a long time. Everybody is in their own place and thoughts and prayers are with these families," said Deputy Chief Dave Stankus.
The investigation continues as to why the 2-fire trucks, responding to a kitchen fire, collided at the intersection of Route 73 and East Aurora Street. Eight firefighters went to the hospital and six have been released. Two men, Captain John Keane and driver Joseph Fischetti remain in critical condition.
"We're very blessed to work with these people. John and Joe just showed up at 8 o'clock in the morning, went home the next morning and never really asked for anything," said Deputy Chief Stankus.
That is what the department must continue to do - their job. Perhaps it is cathartic, or it is just something inside that spurs them to continue to save the day, even when there is pain that can not be brushed aside.
Hopefully the day will come soon when laughter, and the 2-absent firefighters, return to the fire house and make the department whole again.
"The job will always get done, they are professionals and they have seen tragedy before. It makes it a little more difficult when it's one of your own," said Deputy Chief Stankus.
Copyright 2007 by WTNH.com.
Republished with permission of WTNH-TV.
