From Mayor Finch:
Two City Firefighters Die in Line of Duty
Two City firefighters died while fighting a fire at 41 Elmwood Ave., on Saturday afternoon.
Lieutenant Steven Velasquez was pronounced dead at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Firefighter Michel Baik was pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital. Velazquez had just been promoted to lieutenant in February 2010, and Baik had been a firefighter for only two years.
“Bridgeport is mourning the loss of two of its Bravest,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “I urge you all to pray for the firefighters and their families during this most trying time.” The Mayor has requested all flags on City buildings to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen firefighters until further notice.
Firefighters from Engine 3 were first on the scene and were quickly joined by Engines 1, 4 and 7, Ladders 5 and 11, Rescue 5 and the Battalion Chief.
The last time a firefighter died in the line of duty was Firefighter Walter J. Flyntz on March 18, 1999.
The cause of the fire will be under investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s office.
Bob Walsh
As the son of a former Bridgeport fire fighter and a former member of the Board of Fire Commissioners I am in shock over this story. Growing up as a kid, this thought crossed my mind every time I heard the sirens going off.
My heart goes out to the families of these firefighters and to all the brave members of the Bridgeport Fire Department.
I am sure Andy and Ron feel even worse having served on BFD.
town committee
May GOD have mercy on their souls. These two brave firefighters paid the ultimate price to keep us safe. Having lost 8 friends to line of duty deaths while I was on the job I know it hurts. My prayers go out to those who died and to their families and to those who continue to lay it on the line every time the bell rings.
Andrew Fardy, Retired Firefighter
It is with a heavy heart that I encourage everyone to remember how the brave men and women of our fire department and police department put their life on the line every day on behalf of others, they courageously risk their own safety to save those who need saving, they protect and serve and they stand tall. We all too often take for granted our liberties and those who have fallen to protect them. Contracts and politics have served as a useless distraction. We should only be honoring those who walk the line so the rest of us don’t have too. Thank you to our fallen heroes an may peace come to your loved ones in time.
Well said Jennifer.
Condolences to the families and the Bridgeport Fire Department on their great loss. This is why they are called “The Bravest!”
Very sad.
As a relative of a B’port firefighter I want to offer my deepest condolences to the families of our brave men. The loss affects us all and may they rest forever in peace.
On another note, Malloy concedes his stance on a casino cost him B’port support. This is no news to all of us here in B’port. Where Malloy continues to fail is that he offers nothing, NOTHING, as an alternative to provide concrete economic development to us. If you want our support tell us what’s in it for us. Property tax relief is great and best for his political buddies like DiNardo … but what about the little people, the ones without jobs, who are losing hope in career politicians who are only out for themselves? I’d like to see Dan stop being a politician with cutesy references to his humble past and put the state money and power where his mouth is. Will he or won’t he give us some specifics we can support? I, for one, doubt it.
You turned down the wrong street, wrong story.
It’s time for us to forget our petty differences and embrace each other as we mourn this tragic loss of life.
My prayers go out to the Velasquez and Baik family, may God comfort you during this time of tragic loss of life.
Just learned they are auctioning tickets on the radio for the Vibes with the proceeds going to the fallen firefighters’ families. Last I heard the top bid this am was at $1500 and growing. I’m not sure who the donor of the tickets is, but whoever it is has put their money where their mouths are and they should be applauded. My condolences to the families. And to the brotherhood of firefighters who put their lives on the line daily so you and I can sleep soundly a big THANK YOU!!!