CT Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze

PLAINVILLE, CT — Plainville Firefighter Raymond “Ray” Alan Moreau was killed Sunday morning while battling a blaze, according to authorities.

The firefighter suffered fatal injuries at the scene of a house fire, Plainville police confirmed on social media.

Emergency personnel responded shortly after 6:15 a.m. to a call for a fire on Maria Road, according to state police. Moreau, 60, was standing outside the home when a piece of a fire truck broke free and hit him, "causing catastrophic injuries to his leg," state police said, adding he was taken to The Hospital of Central Connecticut but died during surgery.

Connecticut State Police is leading the investigation with the support of its Fire Explosion Investigation Unit and Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Squad. The state agency is collaborating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and State Attorney Christian Wattson at New Britain Superior Court.

The house was destroyed in the blaze but no one else was hurt, Town Manager Michael Paulhus said in a media briefing published in full by NBC CT. A family friend started a GoFundMe fundraiser for Valerie and Catherine Cancellieri, who lost their home in the fire.

Chief of Police Christopher Vanghele during the briefing noted the deceased was a volunteer.

“They put their lives on the line,” he said. “So whenever there’s a death like that, it’s a death of a hero.”

Moreau was a 35-year veteran of the department as well as a U.S. Marine Corp. veteran.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Sunday evening that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be lowered to half-staff in honor of Moreau. Flags should be lowered effective immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.

“It is with extreme sadness today that we mourn the life of Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect his community,” Lamont said. “Today’s tragedy is another reminder about the extraordinary risk that firefighters face as part of their duties, and they are heroes for assuming these responsibilities. On behalf of the entire State of Connecticut, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Firefighter Moreau, including his wife Chris and his colleagues at the Plainville Fire Department.”

The death was met with an outpouring of condolences from fire departments across the state.

“As brothers and sisters in this profession, we grieve alongside you and offer our full support during this difficult time,” the Terryville Volunteer Fire Department said in a social media post.