West Haven Fire Department Mourns Firefighter's Death

The West Haven Fire Department is mourning the death of one of its firefighters.

Firefighter Chris O'Keefe, 49, passed away suddenly on Saturday morning, according to the West Haven Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1198 union. His son, Christopher "CJ" O'Keefe Jr. was by his side, according to his obituary.

"Like all dads, Chris loved C.J., but he would have been filled with pride at the way his son conducted himself during the emergency," his obituary stated.

The local union thanked members of the community for the condolences received and asks people to "please keep the O'Keefe family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

O'Keefe was born and raised in West Haven and became a firefighter in town in 2002, according to his obituary.He was also a member of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society, the American Firefighters M.C. and the West Haven local fire union, his obituary states.

"There are no words to express our deep sorrow in the passing of Firefighter Chris O'Keefe," the West Haven Fire Department Historical Library posted on its Facebook page. "Our hearts break for his family and friends, especially his son CJ, a brave young man who stood tall and did all the right things in what had to have been his darkest hour. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris was a good man who left us much too soon."

Aside from being a firefighter and loving father, O'Keefe had a passion for riding Harleys, according to his obituary.

"Recently Chris and C.J. have been attending the races together each weekend," O'Keefe's obituary stated."This was a great tradition from Chris’ childhood that he was thrilled to share with his son."

There is no official word on the cause of death, but it didn't happen while O'Keefe was in the line of duty.

Calling hours to pay respects to O'Keefe are Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home at 3105 Whitney Ave. in Hamden. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. at the St. Joan of Arc Church at 405 West Todd Street in Hamden. Friends are to go straight to the church, according to O'Keefe's obituary.

The family asks for donations in lieu of flowers to The C.J. O'Keefe, Jr. Education Fund c/o Bill O'Keefe. You can leave condolences online at www.siskbrothers.com.

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