The West Haven Fire Department will be conducting its annual Firemen’s Memorial ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 23. The ceremony will take place on the West Haven Green, at the Firemen’s Memorial, and will begin at 1 p.m. Each year the department honors those members who have passed away during the year as well as all those who have come before. This year we will be ringing the bell for the following members: Louis Votto, West Haven Hook & Ladder Company #1; John Onofrio, Stevens Heights Engine Company #5.
If anyone has a family member who has passed away during the year and was a Career or Volunteer member of the WHFD, please contact us at whfdhistory@gmail.com and we will be sure to include them in the ceremony.
The 2022 event program is dedicated in memory of Assistant Chief Joseph Erff, Sr. Chief Erff started as a member of Engine and Hose Company #1 and served as it’s Captain from 1922-1925. He was one of the original six men hired on Jan. 24, 1933, creating the Career Department. On Feb. 6, 1946, he and Mike Glas became the first two men promoted to the position of Assistant Chief and served as Shift Commanders. Chief Erff retired on Aug. 17, 1958.