Southington Responders Mourn Loss Of Plainville Firefighter

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The tragic loss of any responder hits home for all colleagues, but when it happens to a responder one town over, there's a good chance he's well known.

That appears to be the case for Plainville Volunteer Fire Dept. firefighter Raymond “Ray” Alan Moreau, 60, who was killed Sunday morning while battling a blaze there.

Plainville borders Southington, and firefighters often work together on calls requiring mutual aid in the region.

As such, Southington police and fire departments in recent days have expressed grief and offered tributes to Moreau.

On Sunday, July 27, Moreau suffered fatal injuries at the scene of a house fire, Plainville police confirmed on social media.

Monday, the Southington Fire Department, a hybrid volunteer/paid department, was among several area departments covering for Plainville, whose members grieved their loss of the 35-year firefighting veteran.

The SFD was even at the scene of the Plainville fire, offering mutual aid support at the time of the accident.

"This collective effort honors firefighter Moreau’s dedication and ensures his brothers and sisters in Plainville have the space to grieve and remember," wrote the SFD on social media.

Emergency personnel responded shortly after 6:15 a.m. Sunday 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.

Southington's police and fire departments issued heartfelt tributes in Moreau's honor Sunday and Monday.

"We stand in solidarity with PFD as they navigate this profound tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen firefighter’s family, loved ones, and the entire department," wrote the SFD, which was one of Plainville's mutual aid partners at the Plainville fire.

Meanwhile, the Southington Police Department also issued a formal tribute on behalf of its membership.

"It is with heavy hearts that we honor the memory of Raymond 'Ray' Moreau, a dedicated volunteer firefighter from our neighboring community who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others on Sunday morning," wrote the SPD on Monday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray’s family, friends, and the entire Plainville Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time. We stand together in mourning the loss of a true hero."

From July 27: 'CT Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze'