South Windsor FIRE Department

08/26/2026

First Day of School in South Windsor!

All the best to the students, teachers, support staff, and parents!!☘️

PLEASE drive carefully - stop for flashing school bus lights!

08/25/2026

Ryan is one of our 9-1-1 Dispatchers!

If you are able, please support!!

For those of you who don’t know him, PSD Ryan Fraley is a man w… Kate Pierpont needs your support for Help Support Ryan Fraley’s Battle Against Brain Cancer

08/20/2026

All Welcome!

If you or anyone you know that was directly affected by this date and would like to be included in the ceremony, please contact me as soon as possible.
Kevin E. Cooney,
Fire Chief-
860-982-0400
[email protected]

08/19/2026

On behalf of the all the men and women of the SWFD, Smokey Bear and Chief Cooney wish WALTER SUMMERS a Happy and well-deserved Retirement!

After twenty years as the Town of South Windsor Fire Marshal, today, is Fire Marshal Summer's last day!

Walter was a huge supporter of the SWFD! Over the years he was very instrumental in many projects that benefited the SWFD. As Chair of the Town's Capital Projects, his support was invaluable.

As Fire Marshal, we worked closely on many fire investigations, plan reviews, and other local issues.

Fire Marshal Summers was also extremely involved in Statewide efforts with the CT Fire Marshal's Association, working with Chief Cooney on the Joint Fire Council, and many other organizations with strong legislative involvement.

We are extremely happy for Walter and wish him all the best in his next chapter as the Fire Marshal of Naples, FL. ☘

THANK YOU!!! You will be missed!

South Windsor Fire Marshal's Office

08/19/2026

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 just after 8:00pm

SWFD was dispatched to a vehicle fire on the I-291 w/b entrance ramp from Rt. 5 (John Fitch Blvd).

The vehicle was a SUV well involved in fire upon arrival of FD.

E3, Squad 2, FP9, and Car 10 responded. Response was during the middle of our weekly training.

No injuries. The ramp was closed for approx. 1/2 hour.

08/18/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Life Member Harvey Fine. Harvey was a former Firefighter with Company 3, took a few years off, and a returned as a long-time member of Company 6.

More importantly, Mr. Fine is Dad to Deputy Chief Scott Fine and Grandfather to Lt. Noah Fine.

His Funeral Service will be held graveside, tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19th at 12:00 noon at the John Hay Memorial Park on Garden Street (enter from Tower Ave).

The family has requested a Color Team at the services. Anyone uniformed member wishing to participate, please contact Honor Guard Commander, Captain Tia Olson directly.

Please keep the Fine Family in your prayers.

Harvey Richard Fine, 86, of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of South Windsor, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026.
Born on May 24, 1940, in Hartford, Harvey was the son of the late Samuel and Frances (Quint) Fine. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Deborah (Fox) Fine; his daughter, Marlene Fine; and his brother, Gilbert Fine.
Harvey proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Following his military service, he built a long career as an electrician and was a proud member of IBEW Local 35. After his retirement, he remained active with the Local 35 Retirees Club and enjoyed maintaining the friendships and camaraderie he had developed throughout his career.Community and service were also important parts of Harvey’s life. He was a member of the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, where he holds Life Member status. He was also involved with the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee and was a board member of the World Series Club of Hartford. His love of baseball and involvement with the club gave him the opportunity to meet and become friendly with numerous professional baseball players over the years—something that brought him great enjoyment, especially as a devoted fan of his beloved Boston Red Sox. Harvey was also active in the Masonic Lodge, Moose Club, Elks Club, and American Legion.
Harvey enjoyed boating, deep-sea fishing, tinkering with old cars, and spending time near the water. He had a particular love for cruising the seas, warm weather, tropical destinations, and traveling the world. He collected memories and friendships wherever his travels took him.
Above everything else was Harvey’s family. Nothing brought him greater happiness or pride than his children and, especially, his five grandchildren. They were the center of his world, and the love and pride he had for them were unmistakable to anyone who knew him.
Harvey lived a full life filled with family, friendships, service, travel, laughter, and plenty of adventures along the way. Those who knew him will remember the stories, the experiences he shared, and the many memories created over his 86 years.
His family takes comfort in knowing that Harvey is now at peace and reunited with those he loved and lost before him.
Harvey is survived by his son, Scott Fine of South Windsor, Connecticut; his daughter, Diane, and her husband, Jonathan Dickman, of Antelope, California; and his five grandchildren, Noah, Samantha, Benjamin, Jonah, and Joshuah, who were truly his pride and joy.
He is also survived by his partner and dear friend, Terry LaPlante of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Farmington, Connecticut. Harvey and Terry shared many years of friendship, travels, adventures, and wonderful memories together. In Harvey’s later years, Terry also became his caregiver and remained by his side through the end of his life. His family is grateful for the companionship and care she provided him.
His brother-in-law, Rick Fox, and niece, Lisa Fine, also held a very special place in his heart.
Funeral services will be held graveside Wednesday, August 19th at 12:00 noon at John Hay Memorial Park on Garden Street in Hartford, Connecticut. Enter from Tower Avenue. Rabbi Daniel Victor will be officiating.
For those considering donations, please consider the Visiting Nurse Association Home Care and Hospice of Vero Beach, FL, or a charity of your choice.
May his memory be a blessing.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hebrew Funeral Associates, West Hartford.

Kevin E. Cooney,
Fire Chief

South Windsor Fire Department
1175 Ellington Road
South Windsor, CT 06074
FD Cell – 860-982-0400
FD Office – 860-644-8547
[email protected]

08/16/2026

**TRAIN - TRAIN -TRAIN**

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Members of the Department utilize Marine 1 for training on the CT River.

Between the construction on/under I-291 (Bissel Bridge) and the low water levels, members keep updated and familiar with best practices of navigating and pre-planning.

Marine 1 is a 1975 Boston Whaler with an out-board motor making it very challenging to operate in low water levels.

Between the low water levels, the river channel, and condition of the South Windsor boat launch on Vibert Road - that ramp is unavailable for use. We are fortunate with the boat launch/ramp in Windsor just on the side of the Bissel Bridge for local access.

08/16/2026

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Two of our young adult members graduated from the Connecticut Fire Academy’s Cadet Advanced Skills and Concepts Class. A week-long residential program enhancing their firefighting skills.

Congratulations to both Derek Brunelle and Matt Caron!!

Derek is son to Department Photographer Dennis Brunelle!!

Matt is son to Firefighter Doug Caron!

Chief Cooney, the Honor Guard, and other Officers that also serve as CFA Instructors attended in support of Matt and Derek!

Most photos by SWFD Photographer/Proud Dad ~ Dennis Brunelle!!

We are extremely proud of our young adult members of Company 5/Explorer Post 838. Explorer Post 838 is the oldest Fire Explorer Post in CT.

Many of past Explorers have gone onto public safety careers as well as advancing through the ranks in the SWFD, including two Department Chief’s!

If interested in joining, contact Lt. Pendleton - 8606448547 /[email protected]

08/15/2026

Congratulations Deputy Chief Hofmann!

08/15/2026

Today, a few members of our Fire & Life Safety Division supported the Hartford County 4-H Fair’s Touch a Truck event with our SAFETY HOUSE - an educational RV type vehicle.

As part of the Department Mission Statement:

“We will provide fire prevention services and other educational opportunities to the townspeople in an effort to minimize the incidence of fire, accidents, and the associated costs.”