Governor Jodi Rell of Connecticut issued the following statement in response to two firefighters that died in the line of service on Saturday (July 24th):
“The deaths of Lt. Steven Velazquez and Firefighter Michel Baik are heartbreaking reminders of the dangers our brave first responders face every day when they answer a call for help. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and to their fellow firefighters.”
According to a local report, “Lt. Velazquez and Firefighter Baik of the 7-11 died Saturday while battling a house fire at 41 Elmwood Avenue (in Bridgeport). The two were ventilating the fire and checking for hot spots when mayday calls went out.”
Governor M. Jodi Rell directed that U.S. and Connecticut flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Bridgeport firefighters.
Please remember the families of the firefighters in your prayers.
John M. DeMassa
