Half-Staff Flags Today Honor Fallen Firefighters

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, in response to a proclamation issued by President Barack Obama, has ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 7, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. 

“Our firefighters and first responders have our deepest appreciation and respect for their service to our state and our nation,” said Governor Malloy. “Every day, these men and women risk their lives to protect our communities, and in doing so, they embody the honor and integrity of their professions. 

"Fire Prevention Week is an important opportunity to learn how to reduce the risk of fire," he said, "but we also stop to reflect upon the courage of those firefighters who have lost their lives in the course of saving others.”

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2012. In addition, the National Fire Sprinkler Association also is observing National Fire Prevention Week.

Starting at 1 a.m. today, the New Britain Firefighters Local 992, with the help of eight other fire departments including Hamden's, will conduct a relay with money raised over the past month for the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer.

The relay will begin in New Britain and conclude in New Haven shortly before 10 a.m., in time to reach the annual Tommy Fund Family Day at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. More than 500 runners and walkers are expected run or walk at this Sunday’s Family Day.

Similar to the Special Olympics Torch Run, New Britain firefighters will start the 45-mile trek at the New Britain Fire Station #2 (146 S. Main). They will be joined by firefighters and fire trucks from the following municipalities: New Britain, Middletown, Middlefield, Berlin, Durham, North Branford, North Haven, Hamden and New Haven.