Firemen's Benevolent Association of New Haven

08/15/2026

Former Chief Martin O’Connor’s (& prior Secretary & President of the FBANH) impact on the Fire Service & New Haven Community as a whole has been transformative, impactful, and long lasting. Our hats off to his continued service.

08/14/2026

Join us! Saturday, August 15th at Bear’s Smokehouse at 470 James NHV to celebrate the career of DC Lenny Wishart. From Central to the Squad and up the ranks to Deputy Chief, he exemplified the grit of a true New Haven Fireman. Drop in, share some laughs and memories from 3pm-7pm

06/30/2026

Dear Supporters,

On behalf of the members of Hill Station and the New Haven Fire Department, we want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for supporting the Chris Brainard Memorial Helmet Raffle. Your generosity and participation are helping us honor the legacy of Firefighter Chris Brainard while raising funds to create a lasting memorial in his name.

We wanted to share an important update regarding the raffle drawing – Due to a scheduling conflict, the raffle drawing has been rescheduled to Monday, July 6th at 10:30 a.m.

The drawing will be conducted live, and we invite everyone to watch by visiting the RagTop Fire Instagram account where the drawing will be streamed live.
Because of this change, we have also extended the raffle entry deadline. Ticket sales will now remain open until Sunday, July 5th at 11:59 p.m., giving everyone one final opportunity to participate and support this meaningful cause.

We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the fire service and our community. Every ticket purchased helps us move one step closer to creating a permanent memorial that honors Chris Brainard and recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of all firefighters who have served before us and those who will serve after.

Thank you once again for your continued support, and we wish everyone the best of luck in the drawing.

Respectfully,
The Members of Hill Station�New Haven Fire Department

Get tickets here ⬇️

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/chris-brainard-memorial-helmet-raffle?fbclid=IwVERFWASyLd5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEecHP-HjCVn_ukWZQI9Idxcx1nRrFTw3QfEqQKkOhPu0Ws6gcWy3Y1JDvMq50_aem_3DWA7RApZMEsTs8MnZF0Aw

06/10/2026

*** To all Officers of the FBANH, please check your department email for a Zoom link for an unscheduled/emergency meeting of the FBANH for Thursday June 11th at 0900, or contact BC Brigham, Lt. Starzecki, Lt. Kavaler, or Capt. Wargo for the link.***

06/09/2026

Funeral information for Firefighter Thomas Kochera

Calling Hours: Friday, June 12th 1600-1900 at Anderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire, CT
-Contact Capt. Todd Parker for Honor Guard

Procession: Saturday, June 13th at 11:00. St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT
-Uniform: Class A with white gloves & mourning band.

Transportation: If interested in taking the bus to the services, be at the Training Academy at 10:00 on Saturday.
-Contact: BC Brigham

View Thomas "TJ" Kochera's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/08/2026

In memory of Firefighter Thomas "TJ" Kochera, we come together to honor his life of service, courage, and compassion. All donations collected through the Firemen's Benevolent Association of New Haven will go directly to his wife and children.

Please consider donating directly on our website:

It is with profound sadness that we remember Firefighter Thomas "TJ" Kochera, whose life was cut tragically short at the age of 35.

06/06/2026

In memory of Firefighter Thomas Kochera, we come together to honor his life of service, courage, and compassion. Thomas dedicated himself to protecting others, and now we have an opportunity to support the family he loved most-his wife and two daughters.

Every donation and act of kindness to the Firemen’s Benevolent Association of New Haven helps ease their burden and ensures that Thomas’s legacy of selflessness and duty to the city of New Haven will never be forgotten.

All proceeds will go directly to the family. FBANH is a registered 501c(3). We encourage you to donate directly through our page, Link to our website in our bio, and PayPal. If Venmo is your ONLY option please verify you select “donate” to with our verified badge on the page. All support is appreciated.

06/05/2026

The Department regrets to announce the passing of FF Thomas Kochera EmergencyCo.2 Division 3. FR Kochera was hospitalized for a medical issue recently and passed this morning. At just 35 years old, he leaves behind a wife and 2 young children. Please keep this family in your prayers. Rest in Peace FF Kochera.

06/05/2026

Need a beer & a pie? has premier pizza with 🍺 Last Alarm IPA 🍺 on draft with $1 from every pint going to support the FBANH. Your weekend plans have been made; see ya there !

The support we receive from BAR and other community members enables us to accomplish our mission, we are deeply grateful so we encourage all of our members to support those who support us!