Family, Friends Honor Hartford Firefighter Kevin Bell

Thousands of firefighters from around the state and around the country came to say goodbye to fallen Hartford firefighter Kevin Bell on Monday.

A solemn procession began outside The First Cathedral on Blue Hills Avenue in Bloomfield around 10 a.m. Bagpipes played as a fire truck carried Bell's casket to the church.

Bell, 48, was one of theoi first to enter the burning building at 598 Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford last Tuesday. He was pulled from the home in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead.

This is the first time in 40 years the city of Hartford has lost a firefighter in the line of duty and local officials vowed that he will never be forgotten.

Through tears, as well as some laughs, speaker after speaker shared stories about who Bell was as a man, a father, a DJ and a firefighter.

Hartford Fire Chief Carlos Huertas spoke and thanked everyone who has supported the fire department as they mourn the loss of a friend and colleague who personified the qualities it takes to be a firefighter.

"Firefighter Kevin Bell is a hero," Huertas said. " However, he was a hero way before this tragic incident. Kevin Bell has been a hero his entire life."

Every Hartford firefighteor places his or her life on the line to protect the city and that always comes with a potential for unforseen consequences, Huertas said.

"This loss is not exclusive to the fire department. This loss encompasses his family, his friends, and the community he served and resided in," Huertas said. "Let it be known that the loss of a firefighter in combat will never be forgotten" oc

Bell's selfless service to the city of Hartford will not be forgotten, Vincent Fusco, president of the Local 760 Firefighters Union, said, and vowed to Bell's family that they will forever be a member of the brotherhood of firefighters.

Members of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters were among the many members of the firefighting community to make the trip to honor Bell.

“Long after today is over, we will be here for you – whatever you need, whenever you need it,” Delbert Coward, North East director of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, said. 

Bell's brother Shawn delivered an expression of love for his brother.

Bell graduated from Weaver High School, worked for the Hartford Public School system, and joined the Hartford Fire Department in 2008, according to the mayor.

He leaves behind two other siblings, a wife and 22-year-old daughter, Rocky, who has already claimed his car – perhaps in an effort to keep him close and bring her dad’s memory wherever she goes.

Three other firefighters were hurt in the fire, including 29-year-old Jason Martinez, who suffered serious burns and remains in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital. His father attended Bell's funeral and the crowd stood to give him a standing ovation.

Firefighters Colin McWeeny, 34, and Kevin Burke, 51, were treated and released from Saint Francis Hospital.

Several roads will be closed after the service, including Blue Hills Avenue, from Wintonbury to Cottage Road; and Cottage Grove, from Blue Hills to the Windsor line.  

Mayor Segarra spoke during the service and called on everyone in attendance to come together and commit to supporting Bell's wife and daughter moving forward.

He is also proposing that Engine 16 on Blue Hills Avenue be formally renames the Kevin Lamont Bell Fire Station.

“Kevin was not only a brave and dedicated Firefighter, but he was devoted to the Hartford community. He was affiliated with several sports leagues and was a wrestling coach at Cheney Technical School,” Segarra said in his letter to the city council. “His death while fighting a residential fire makes him a hero to us all. I therefore recommend that Engine Company 16 be renamed in his honor.”

A memorial fund has been set up in Kevin Bell's honor. To donate, visit the Hartford Firefighters Credit Union at 776 Maple Avenue in Hartford, or send donations to:

Kevin L. Bell Memorial Family Fund
C/O Hartford Firefighters Survivors' Fund
Farmington Bank
669 Hebron Avenue
Glastonbury, CT 06033

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