Hartford is full of heavy hearts tonight as the city mourns the death of firefighter Kevin Bell, but none so heavy, perhaps, as that of retired Fire Chief Charles Teale, who gave Bell the job – and also happens to be his cousin.
"I'm the person who hired him," said Teale. "When it happens, it's such a shock, especially in the city of Hartford, because it has been such a very long time."
Bell is the first member of the department to die fighting a fire in 40 years. He lost his life Tuesday night battling a two-alarm blaze at a home on Blue Hills Avenue. Three other firefighters were hurt on the job, one of them critically.
"The pain and anguish in the loss of one of our firefighters is beyond measure," Teale said.
Bell's brother, Shawn, described Kevin as a talented deejay and hardworking athlete whose admiration for Teale developed into a love for firefighting.
"Kevin always had that interest when he would talk to Charles about becoming a fireman," Shawn Bell recalled.
The former chief admitted to feeling a twinge of regret about giving Bell the job that ultimately cost him his life.
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"I think I did what was supposed to be done by encouraging him to pursue his dream, but the outcome, of course, makes me wish in a sense that I did not," he said.
Nonetheless, Teale said Bell was an exceptional firefighter because of his passion to protect the people of Hartford.
"And he did so to the best of his ability – as we say in our oath – so help me God," Teale said. "And he died. He died a hero."
Calling hours for Bell will be held at the All Faith Memorial Chapel in South Windsor. He'll be laid to rest at the Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield following a funeral ceremony at Bloomfield's First Cathedral.
