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Mayor Sarno joins Commissioner Calvi & SFD for Springfield Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony

04/28/2025

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi and the Springfield Fire Department (SFD) on Monday morning for a special Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at the Fire Department headquarters on Worthington Street.

Today, the Department and supporters gathered to remember the 29 fallen members of the Springfield Fire Department lost between 1904 and 2022. Captain Drew Piemonte served as the master of ceremonies and gave a meaningful reading on why it is important that we come together to honor and remember our fallen heroes by paying tribute to their bravery, selflessness, and commitment to keeping the citizens of this city safe. The work of a firefighter is defined by uncertainty and danger; they are the ones running toward danger to keep us all safe. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten but remind us of the dangers firefighters throughout the world face.

Fire Chaplains Archbishop Timothy Paul Baymon Chaplain Father Gary Dailey gave the invocation and benediction. Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, City Council President Attorney Michael Fenton, City Councilor Kateri Walsh, and Fire Chaplain Reverend Willard Cofield were in attendance. The SFD Color Team and Piper Grout presented the colors and performed the bagpipes. The National Anthem was performed by the talented Nasiya Yates, daughter of Springfield Firefighter James Yates.

Mayor Sarno, Commissioner Calvi, Fire Chief Kevin E. Cooney who serves on board for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and is a 35 year member of the South Windsor (CT) Fire Department, and Lt. Brian Ward, President of Local 648, gave remarks. Captain Angel Carqais spoke on behalf of the Privates Club, who helped erect the Fallen Officers Memorial on at SFD HQ on Worthington Street. Private Kenneth Korzec, who was instrumental in organizing and uplifting this year’s ceremony, gave the funeral reading and roll call of Springfield’s 29 fallen firefighters. Private Rivera performed the ceremonial bell tolling which was followed by a wreath laying. Three wreaths were laid before the memorial engraved which the names of each the brave fallen members of the Department. One wreath was specified for line of duty deaths, the second for those lost to cancer – a significant occupational hazard for firefighters, and the third for all retirees. Whether they died in the line of duty or from occupational related cancers or illness, we remember those who gave everything they had to our city.

Mayor Sarno states, “First of all, I want to thank our dedicated firefighters for being there for us each day, prepared to run toward danger to save lives and save structure. We also extend our gratitude to their families who are there with them every step of the way. On behalf of the City of Springfield, we are proud to honor the memory of our brave and dedicated firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to protect and serve our residents and businesses. Special thanks to Private Korzec for his organizing efforts, it was a beautiful ceremony. God Bless our brave and dedicated Springfield Firefighters and their families. God Speed!”

The following fallen members of the Springfield Fire Department were honored: