Equipment Caused Injuries that Claimed Plainville, CT, Firefighter at Fire

Officials said the firefighter who died after being injured at a house fire Sunday morning was a 35-year veteran of the Plainville Fire Department.

Raymond "Ray" Alan Moreau, 60, responded to the house fire on Maria Road around 6:20 a.m. 

He was "was working on scene and standing outside of 45 Maria Road near a fire apparatus," Connecticut State Police Capt. Katy Coney said during a press conference aired by Fox61.com. "A piece of the fire truck broke free of the apparatus and struck firefighter Moreau, causing catastrophic injuries to his leg. "

Moreau was transported to the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. He succumbed to his injuries during surgery, Coney said. 

"Ray was a decorated 35-year veteran of Plainville Fire Department," Coney said. "Ray volunteered tens of thousands of hours to his community. In addition to his service to the Plainville community, Ray was a loving husband and veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Firefighter Moreau was a consummate professional, dedicated servant, and will be missed dearly by his friends, family, and his community."

Residents who were in the home were able to get out, WFSB.com reported.  The residents were uninjured.

Coney said the Connecticut State Police will be the primary investigation and coordinate with other state organizations and OSHA for the tragic incident.

Firefighters from Bristol and Farmington fire departments responded to the scene to assist.

"This isn't merely a job or a hobby. Being a volunteer firefighter, it is a calling, and Ray answered the call," Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said during the press conference. 

"As commissioner, I am deeply, deeply grateful for the sacrifices of our first responders. Each and every one of them. Nothing, nothing hurts more than the ultimate sacrifice that was witnessed in the town of Plainville here today," Higgins added.

"Thirty-five years is a lot to give to the community and he did it with dignity and honor along the way....right to the end," said Plainville Town Manager Mike Paulhus.