Early in the morning of November 6, 1981, a fire erupted at the Knights of Columbus Hall located behind St. Mary's Church in Simsbury. Approximately sixty-five firefighters from across the town awoke to answer the alarm, including Lieutenant Richard Kelleher from Bushy Hill Station.

The fire started in the attached garage and quickly extended throughout the second floor, and was well underway when the first units arrived on-scene. Crews went to work to bring the fire under control. Roof ventilation operations were ordered, and teams began to advance hose lines by several different points of access.

Dick Kelleher was with a team on an exterior stairway helping to take a line to the second floor when he collapsed. Lt. Richard Kelleher died that morning of an apparent heart attack and sadly became the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company's first and only line of duty death. He was thirty-seven years young.

Over 700 people, including 400 firefighters, gathered to mourn Dick Kelleher's passing. Lieutenant Richard Kelleher was buried with honors and laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, Connecticut. Lieutenant Kelleher left behind a wife Ann, a daughter Sharon, and a son Ricky, who in later years went on to follow in his father's footsteps, and become a firefighter in the Newington Volunteer Fire Company in Newington, Connecticut.

Twenty-five years after the untimely passing of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher, past and present Members of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company assembled at his gravesite to remember and honor his service and sacrifice. After laying a bouquet upon the gravesite, Fire Company Chaplain Steven Behrens led a prayer. Assembled Members of the Fire Company were then invited to speak about their personal experiences and recollections of Dick Kelleher, many of which did very fondly.

Some have noted that next to his love for his family, was his love for the Fire Company. Lieutenant Richard Kelleher was not only an embodiment of the spirit of our organization, but of the spirit of the volunteer fire service. It is with much admiration and respect that we pause to venerate this sad anniversary. No words or memorials will ever pay proper homage to the sacrifice he gave nor that his family was forced to bear, but none the less, we commit ourselves in striving to fulfill the mission statement of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company in his spirit, and to which he gave his life:

"To minimize deaths, injuries, and property loss from fire, hazardous conditions, rescue situations, and other disasters, by providing excellent, state of the art, life and property preservation, emergency and educational services, while recognizing our people as our most important resource and the key to our success!"

The sacrifice of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher given on the morning of November 6, 1981 was not given in vain and shall never be forgotten.

Past and present Members gather at the gravesite of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher.

Retired Captain Robert Hintermister and Firefighter Tim Gilbert place a bouquet upon the grave of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher.

Assembled Members salute in honor of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher.

Fire Company Chaplain Steve Behrens gives the opening prayer.

Fire Company Members solemnly reflect on the occasion.

A close friend of Lt. Richard Kelleher, Retired Chief Dan Hayes speaks fondly of his friend and fellow firefighter.

Company Member Ken Beliveau recalls saying goodnight to Dick Kelleher just hours before his final alarm rang in that following morning.

In memory of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher who gave his life in the line of duty during the early morning of November 6, 1981.

You are not forgotten.

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Past and present Members gather at the gravesite of Lieutenant Richard Kelleher.

 

Photographs by Cliff Williams