UPDATE: Dedicated 10-Year New Haven Firefighter, Married Father Of Two, Passes After Cancer Battle

NEW HAVEN, CT — As one of the bravest, he fought fires and kept the community safe for a decade, and was fighting his own battle against cancer. He was a married father of two children. He was 36.

New Haven Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Danny Coughlin shared the tragic news:

"The New Haven Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Firefighter Chris Brainard. Chris was a 10 year veteran of the department assigned driver if Truck Company 2 in the Hill section of the city. Chris has been battling cancer and departed us today at just 36 years old. He leaves behind a wife and 2 children. Chris was a reliable go to guy on the fire ground and will be deeply missed. We ask you keep his family in your prayers."

The Firemen's Benevolent Association also shared the sad news on Facebook, with information on how to support Brainard's family.

"All donations via the Firemen’s Benevolent during this time will go directly to support the family of FF Brainard. Please visit the link in our bio, utilize the Facebook donation link or Venmo (@ FBANH) We are a registered 501c3 with all donations being fully tax-deductible."

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker noted his passing is a "tragic loss" for a "grateful city."

“The passing of Firefighter Brainard is a heartbreaking and tragic loss for the City of New Haven and the New Haven Fire Department — especially for his fellow firefighters at the Hill Station and the Brainard family. At 36 years old, Firefighter Brainard left us far too soon, but his legacy of service will continue in the hearts and minds of his fellow firefighters and our residents,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “On behalf of a grateful city, I want to thank Firefighter Brainard for his decade of dedicated service and extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children and family.”

Fire Chief John Alston ordered all department flags lowered to half-staff for the next 30 days.

“Firefighter Brainard was an honor to serve with. He wasn’t just a good firefighter—he was an exceptional human being. He was the kind of person who would help anyone, anytime without hesitation,” Alston said. “On behalf of the New Haven Fire Department—his coworkers and his friends—we extend our most heartfelt condolences to Firefighter Brainard’s wife and children. We stand ready to support them through this extraordinary time of grief and loss.”

The Firemen’s Benevolent Association of New Haven is collecting donations to support the Brainard family during this time of loss. Donations can be made at fbanewhaven.org — noting Firefighter Brainard is the comment section — and 100 percent of all donations go directly to the Brainard family.

There is an outpouring of support, and sadness, on the social media of area fire police departments. And especially from Shelton, where he was a firefighter before joining NHFD:

"The fire service has again lost a great one. Former Shelton Firefighter Chris Brainard joined the Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in 2010. Although his time with the department was short, his love and passion for the fire service continued as a member of the New Haven Fire Department. Chris followed his dreams of becoming a firefighter after watching his Grandfather, Former Shelton Chief of Department Leroy Brainard serve our community for years. Chris spent his 36 years on earth as true gentlemen, role model and friend to many. Chris leaves behind a loving Wife and 2 children. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Brainard family during this difficult time."

North Haven:

"The North Haven Fire Department sends our condolences to the entire New Haven Fire Department on the loss of New Haven FF Chris Brainard who passed away at just 36 years old after a battle with cancer. RIP."

East Haven:

The East Haven Fire Department sends its sincere condolences to the men and women of the New Haven Fire Department and more importantly to the wife and two young children that Chris leaves behind.

Waterbury:

Our deepest condolences to the family of Brother Chris Brainard and the members of Local 825 on their tragic loss. May he rest in peace.

Enfield:

Condolences to the New Haven fire department.