Danbury Fire Department - CT

05/26/2026

Today, the Danbury Fire Department Drone Response Team conducted its monthly training at the Danbury Fire School. The team was recently re‑formed following personnel changes, allowing us to reassess staffing and strengthen our operational readiness.

Led by Lieutenant James Gagliardo, the five‑member team is preparing for reactivation to support incidents such as missing persons, marine emergencies, structural and brush fires, along with any situation where an aerial perspective enhances responder safety and effectiveness.

Todays training focused on flight operations with our newly purchased Skydio X10, along with our DJI Matrice 210 and DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise. Each aircraft carries specialized payloads including standard cameras, thermal imaging, and high‑powered zoom — one capable of 30× optical zoom for safe, standoff viewing during hazardous incidents.

The team also completed monthly maintenance and equipment checks to ensure all systems remain mission‑ready. Next month’s training will shift to night operations, giving pilots valuable experience operating under low‑light conditions.

05/25/2026

Crews responded to a reported boat fire at the Danbury boat launch on Hayestown Road. Six occupants evacuated the vessel and were assisted by the Candlewood Lake Authority. One individual was transported with a minor burn injury, and a second individual was transported for evaluation as a precaution.

The fire was extinguished by responding crews. The incident remains under investigation by the Danbury Fire Marshal’s Office.

05/24/2026

Back on the Water—And Giving a Helping Hand!
C Shift took full advantage of the beautiful weather this past Tuesday to kick off the season with some hands-on boat training on 34Marine1!

With the boat officially returned to its seasonal home at the Danbury Town Park, Lieutenant Joe Capalbo led the crew through a comprehensive refresher course to review onboard equipment and practice safe boating operations.

While out on the water, the crew put their boating skills to immediate use! Units were able to assist Danbury Parks and Recreation by helping maneuver and place their swim dock into position, just in time for the start of the beach season.

Training like this keeps our skills sharp, our partnerships strong, and our community safe. A huge thank you to C Shift for their hard work and dedication!

☀️ Boater Safety Reminder:

As the weather warms up and the beaches open, remember to always wear your life jacket and practice safe boating habits. Let's make it a safe and enjoyable season for everyone!

05/24/2026

On Tuesday, May 19th, the Danbury Fire Department proudly hosted a Mass Decontamination Class led by First Line Technology.

More than 30 first responders and healthcare professionals from across the Northeast came together for a full day of training and discussion focused on the latest decontamination techniques, equipment, and best practices.

Thank you to all of the agencies and professionals who participated in this important training opportunity.

05/18/2026

Last month, 16 members of the Danbury Fire Department completed Rope Rescue Technician training led by our own instructors.

Danbury presents a unique mix of rescue challenges. From urban operations and industrial hazards to wilderness incidents in areas like Tarrywile Park — Connecticut’s largest municipally owned town park spanning 722 acres — our members must be prepared to operate across a wide range of environments.

Beyond technical skills, they focused on developing critical thinking, operational maturity, and the ability to lead and function effectively during high-risk, low-frequency incidents.

05/05/2026

Fall 2026....something big is coming👀

05/01/2026

This week, 16 members of the Danbury Fire Department began Rope Rescue Technician training.

Members are halfway through 48 hours of intensive classroom and hands-on work, building the knowledge and skills required to operate at complex rescue incidents.

For the first time, this program is being delivered in-house by our own instructors—allowing us to tailor the training specifically to our operational needs, local hazards, and the equipment we deploy.

More to follow as they push through the second half of the program!

05/01/2026

The City of Danbury Fire Department recently partnered with Modzelewski’s Towing in a coordinated effort to install the City’s Emergency Services boat docks.
Firefighters are well known for their teamwork, and this project provided a great opportunity to put that into action. Crews were able to practice rigging techniques and work with a variety of hand tools while completing a task that directly benefits our community. We take every opportunity to turn necessary work into a valuable training evolution.
This collaboration also gave us the chance to become more familiar with the equipment used by our local tow and recovery professionals. We’re frequently called to work together during emergencies, especially at accident scenes, so building that familiarity is critical.
With the docks now in place, we’re preparing to place 34Marine1 into the water in the coming days. These docks will support operations for Fire, Police, EMS, and the Candlewood Lake Authority, strengthening our shared ability to respond on the water.
Strong partnerships make for safer communities.

04/22/2026

04/20/2026