Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
(TNS)
Jul. 27—PLAINVILLE — A volunteer firefighter, fatally injured while battling a fire on Maria Road on Sunday morning, is being hailed as a hero who died "answering the call."
Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, 60, was killed after a piece of fire truck broke free of the apparatus and struck him, Connecticut State Police Trooper Kate Coney said at a news conference late Sunday afternoon.
Coney said the impact caused catastrophic injuries to Moreau's leg, and he was rushed to the hospital where he died during surgery.
Coney said firefighters had responded to Maria Road at 6:20 a.m. Sunday for a report of a fire. She said multiple units arrived at the scene and Moreau was one of those responders outside the structure when the incident happened.
Coney, speaking in front of a room of Moreau's fellow firefighters, some of whom become emotional during the event, said he was a 35-year veteran of the fire department, having started there in July 1990.
"Ray has volunteered tens of thousands of hours to the community," Coney said. "In addition to his service to the Plainville community, Ray was a loving husband and veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Firefighter Moreau was a consummate professional, dedicated servant, and will be missed dearly by his friends, family, and community."
Coney said Connecticut State Police's Central District Major Crime Unit is the primary investigating agency, adding they will be supported by the Connecticut State Police Fire Explosion Investigation Unit and the Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Squad.
"We are collaborating with OSHA and the State Attorney Christian Watson at New Britain Superior Court for this investigation," she said, adding the investigation is still very much in its infancy.
Ronnell Higgins, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said Moreau's death "cuts like a knife."
"This isn't a job or a hobby," Higgins said. "Being a volunteer firefighter, it is a calling — and Ray answered the call."
Plainville Town Manager Michael Paulhus said Moreau gave countless hours to the community and was a good person, calling him a "fallen hero."
"This is a tremendous loss for the community," he said.
Gov. Ned Lamont in a news release directed all state and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.
"It is with extreme sadness today that we mourn the life of Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect his community," Lamont said in the release.
In a post on X, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said his heart breaks at the tragic loss of Moreau, adding "a courageous, committed life cut short."
"Firefighter Moreau's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten," he said. "My sympathies are with his friends, family and fellow firefighters, whose bravery and devotion to duty should inspire gratitude every day."
Plainville Police Chief Christopher Vanghele said nobody else was injured in the fire.
"We stand with the Plainville Fire Department, as they mourn the loss of a member who made the ultimate sacrifice at a house fire earlier this morning," the police department said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen firefighter's family, loved ones, friends, and the entire department."
Many departments and companies around the state have started expressing their condolences in wake of the firefighter's death.
"We stand with you in grief, and we are here for you as brothers and sisters in the fire service," Seymour Fire Chief Christopher Edwards said.
South Fire District Middletown took to Facebook to also express their condolences following the line of duty death.
"We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," Windham Center Fire Department also wrote on Facebook. "Please know that we stand beside you in mourning and in honoring his service and sacrifice."
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