Lt. Victor Spinnato and Inspector Bridget Yuknat went to Maine in late January to spend time with kids who have been seriously burned in fires.  Lt. Spinnato is a councilor at the Children's Burn Camp in Union, CT every year, while Inspector Yuknat is the president of the New London Firefighters Burn Foundation.  More details from their trip will be posted soon.   Click here to see some great pictures from the trip. 

The job of firefighting has always been dangerous.  Now, there is one more thing to consider when fighting fires in this day and age.  Please view the video below and remember to pass on issues relating to firefighter safety to company officers. 

A press conference held by the NLFD and Rep. Joe Courtney revealed that New London has received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $159,840.  The grant will be used to purchase personal protective equipment, a gear washer and self contained breathing apparatus.  Click here for photos of the event.  Click here for the story from WTNH.  Story from The Day with photo.     

Basketball players interested in playing in the annual Special Olympics game are requested to visit the message board and/or contact FF Joe Nott for details.  This years tournament is scheduled for March 28, 2010.  Last year we had a great turnout and players (FF's in basketball uniforms) had a great time for a great cause. 

Local 1522 is closing out a busy month of January.  January started out with a 2nd alarm fire on upper Bank Street, which was quickly brought under control by members of Group 4.  Their quick and aggressive action controlled the fire and prevented its spread to exposure buildings just a few feet away.  Just days after the 2nd alarm, Group 4 members professionally handled a fatal fire on Orchard St. and were able to successfully rescue a person from the 2-family home (credit to LT. Sargent and FF Lynch who were covering on Group 4, 11 Engine).  The L-1522 members assigned to the Fire Marshal's Office have had their hands full this month with investigations, good work by them and their office.  There is much more going on as well.  Members are anxiously awaiting word on the SAFER Grant application, and are please to hear of a press conference scheduled for Friday 1/29 @ 2pm at Fire HQ.  It is anticipated that the NLFD will be awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for some much needed safety equipment.  More info to follow as it becomes available.  

IAFF.org has published a story about the Gold Star Bridge rescue.  Click here for a link to the article with photos. 

The annual mass for Acting Lt. John O'Connor will be held at St. Joseph's Church at 5pm on 1/30/10.  All members who attend are requested to wear Class A uniform.  Acting Lt. O'Connor was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 1, 1993 at a 2nd alarm fire at 91 Truman Street.  The fire also killed three civilians and destroyed the 3 story building.  May Acting Lt. O'Connor rest in peace.