Poquonnock Bridge Professional Firefighters Local 2704

10/13/2025

Poquonnock Bridge Professional Firefighters Local 2704– statement regarding the actions of our members during the Multi-Alarm Fire – City of Groton. Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.

The Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department responded with the on-duty shift of five personnel to the City of Groton for a reported multi-alarm structure fire with persons trapped. The responding units included the Duty Officer, Acting Captain Justin Risley; Engine 32, staffed with Engine Chauffeur Mike Hall and Firefighter Chris Jones; and Ladder 35, staffed with Ladder Chauffeur Mike Swanson and Firefighter Nate Romanelli. Poquonnock Bridge units arrived on scene shortly after Groton City G11.

Upon arrival, Engine 32 established a water supply by laying a 5-inch supply line approximately 1,000 feet from a hydrant to Engine 11. Acting Captain Risley made contact with G18 and was instructed to stretch the initial attack line. G38 began stretching the initial line while G11 utilized its deck gun to conduct a transitional attack.

During the line stretch, Acting Captain Risley encountered a disoriented and semi-responsive female occupant on the fire floor. He immediately abandoned the line and assisted the occupant to safety. Engine 32’s crew arrived shortly thereafter; Firefighter Jones joined Acting Captain Risley, and the two re-entered the structure to initiate fire attack operations along with two members from Groton City Fire.

While interior suppression efforts were underway, Ladder 35 personnel conducted exterior rescue operations, removing six occupants from balconies who were unable to evacuate through the interior hallways and stairwells due to heavy smoke conditions. Ladder personnel also performed both vertical and horizontal ventilation operations to support interior crews.

Concurrently, Groton City personnel and mutual aid companies conducted primary search and rescue operations. As Acting Captain Risley and Firefighter Jones neared the end of their air supply, they transferred the attack line to Groton City firefighters and exited the structure to change air cylinders in preparation for re-entry. During this time, they encountered two firefighters removing an unconscious victim from the building and assisted with the victim’s removal. Once outside, they initiated patient care, performing CPR until the arrival of EMS personnel. The victim was subsequently transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

Following the rescue, the Engine Chauffeur, Engine Rider, and Duty Officer continued to support fire suppression operations, including stretching additional handlines and assisting interior crews as needed.

The on-duty shift, led by Acting Captain Justin Risley and comprised of Engine Chauffeur Mike Hall, Firefighter Chris Jones, Ladder Chauffeur Mike Swanson, and Firefighter Nate Romanelli, performed their duties in a prompt, professional, and effective manner. Their actions during this incident exemplified the highest standards of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department.

10/12/2025

PBFD E32, L35 and the duty officer responded to Groton city for a structure fire with entrapment. The fire went to 3 alarms. Great work by all agencies on scene. (Photo credit: Steve Romanelli and Brian Quilter)

09/29/2025

Members responded to a car fire on I-95 earlier today, resulting in a temporary highway closure during fire suppression.

09/18/2025

Units are currently operating at a 1st Alarm structure fire at 47 Riverview Ave in the City of Groton.

09/11/2025

🇺🇸 September 11, 2001 – Never Forget 🇺🇸

Today we pause to honor and remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, including the 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, and 37 Port Authority police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.

We also remember the families forever changed, the survivors, and the countless first responders who continue to battle the long-term health effects from that tragic day.

09/10/2025

We recently required mold remediation at our station. Green Home Solution of Eastern CT and local Principal Dustin Maurice quickly responded to our needs. They effectively addressed our concerns, arrived on time, and were easy to work with while on-site. We highly recommend Green Home Solutions to anyone considering their services.

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Green Home Solutions of Eastern CT
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We are house mold specialists. Whether you have mold in your basement from moisture, or mold in your house, we can help with your mold clean up.

09/06/2025

A box plus alarm was triggered earlier today at the Spark Hotel in Old Mystic, prompting L35 and G38 to respond to the working fire.

09/02/2025

Members responded to a mutual aid request overnight in the city of New London for a second alarm structure fire.

09/01/2025

Our condolences go out to the officers and members of the North Haven Professional Firefighters Association L2987 and family of firefighter John Bysko on his sudden passing.

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Firefighter John Bysko earlier this morning. John faithfully served the department for 14 years and was most recently assigned to Fire Headquarters. His unique sense of humor and passion for the job will be deeply missed by all who worked alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bysko family and stand ready to provide any support they may need in the weeks ahead. Information regarding services will be shared as it becomes available.

08/24/2025

Members are participating in the annual back to school event at The Cave Barber Shop today with Town of Groton Police Department and Groton Ambulance. Stop by and see us.

08/24/2025

On behalf of the officers and members of the Poquonnock Bridge Professional Firefighters Local 2704 we offer our sincere condolences to the Guilford fire department and the family and friends of Firefighter Terrio.

It is with great sadness that the Town of Guilford and the Guilford Fire Department announce the passing of Firefighter Michael Terrio, an active member of our department.

On the evening of Friday August 22nd, Firefighter Terrio was involved in a multi-vehicle accident. Despite the valiant efforts of medical personnel, he tragically passed away at the hospital.

Firefighter Terrio was a dedicated public servant who committed himself to protecting the residents of Guilford. His loss is deeply felt by his fellow firefighters, colleagues across town departments, and the entire Guilford community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family during this unimaginable time,” said Michael Shove, Guilford Fire Chief. “We ask the community to keep his loved ones in their hearts as we grieve the loss of a brother firefighter.”

The Guilford Fire Department will have peer support services available to assist members and staff in coping with this difficult loss.

Details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared once they are finalized in coordination with Michael’s family.

The Town of Guilford and Guilford Fire Department thank the community for its compassion and support as we honor the memory of Firefighter Michael Terrio.

08/17/2025

Help us in congratulating Captains Jason Pollard, Captain Jason Cioci, and Firefighter Bryon Beckwith on celebrating 20yrs of service to the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District.