New Haven Fireman Dies After Fall

A respected New Haven firefighter has died after a fall at a fire station.

Patrick Reardon was a 14-year veteran of the department with a rich family history in the New Haven Fire Department. He died Tuesday afternoon.

He had been in critical condition at the Hospital of St. Raphael since April 11, when he fell at the Dixwell fire station and struck his head. He was on-duty at the time, but not responding to an emergency call.  It is unclear whether he had a seizure and fell, or if the seizure was a result of the fall.

Reardon's friends and former co-workers had to go on with their jobs on Wednesday, but with heavy hearts.

"You've still got to respond on calls and still do your job," Capt. John Shepa said at the Dixwell firehouse. "That's what the fire service is. You move on. But Pat will never be forgotten."

Mayor John DeStefano Jr. says Reardon and his family have a "great tradition" with the fire department. Reardon's father, James, was with the department for over 30 years, while his uncle, John, was a one time New Haven fire chief.

Department officials have not disclosed specifics of the incident, but say the city will treat Reardon's death as a casualty in the line of duty.

Calling hours for Reardon are scheduled for Sunday April 26 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Monahan, Cox, Smith & Crimmins Funeral Home at 11 Wooster Place in New Haven.

A funeral Mass will take place Monday, April 27, at St. Lawrence Church on Main St. in West Haven.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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