Ex Chief Mullen To Be Honored At Branford’s Renovated Firehouse

BRANFORD, CT - The Mullen family is synonymous with firefighting in the town of Branford and fire officials are doing something to make sure the name is never forgotten.

The Board of Fire Commissioners, at its most recent meeting, voted to have a plaque at the recently renovated Indian Neck Firehouse installed and named after the late Branford Fire Chief - Peter Mullen.

The goal is to have a plaque listing Mullen’s many accomplishments as a Branford firefighter across from a similar plaque that will announce the renovated firehouse to all who enter.

The Mullen family has had many generations of firefighters, with all ranks up to chief, in Branford and surrounding towns, and fire officials said the $1.5 million renovation of the Indian Neck station will still be known by its original name, they felt it important to bestow a fitting honor upon Chief Mullen and his family.

Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney said the new station will be dedicated in a few weeks and at that dedication it is hoped that the honor for Chief Mullen will also ready for dedication.

Mahoney told Patch:

“Former Chief Mullen spent his entire life in the service of others. He started as a volunteer with Indian Neck Company 9 before becoming one of the first paid men. He served as the department Drill Master before being named Chief. He was also the Town’s Fire Marshal.

“There was no part of the fire service he did not excel at. He was well known throughout the State as a top instructor who had a passion for sharing the latest fire rescue techniques with others. He also developed some of the first formal fire prevention programs in the community.

“His son Ronnie started at Indian Neck before he became a Branford career firefighter achieving the rank of Deputy Chief before his death. Michael Mullen has served as the Captain of volunteer Company 9 for over 30 years. Both shared their father’s passion for serving the community and teaching the next generation of firefighters.

“Chief Mullen was a larger than life personality who had a welcoming smile but whose booming voice left no question who was in charge of the emergency scene. His legacy lives on through those he taught will serve as a role model and inspiration to all,” Mahoney said.

The new firehouse has many renovations, including:

5,000 square-foot, $1.5 million renovation;

• Demolishes the existing 2,000 s.f. firehouse built in 1926
• Creates a new two-story structure that includes a larger bay and meeting space
• Improves efficiency and increases space for 25+ volunteer firefighters
• Challenging design within a floodplain

The hope is that the new station will be ready for its dedication ceremony in mid-December.