Firemen's Benevolent Association of New Haven

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!

05/29/2026

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/chris-brainard-memorial-helmet-raffle

05/20/2026

Every picture tells a story...
In June of 1910, a college student by the name of Delmar "Barney" Roos was working as a stock photographer for Brown Brothers of New York City. He was assigned to cover and photograph the Yale graduation in New Haven for the New York Times. Of particular interest would be a photo and interview with graduate Richard Taft, son of President William Taft. After finding Taft, the presidents son refused Roos request. Disappointed, Roos started walking back to the train station. Suddenly, the horse drawn steam engine #2 of the New Haven Fire Department came thundering down College St. With one glass negative left, Roos took the photo of the steamer. It's become one of the most iconic horse drawn fire engine images ever taken. Oddly, Taft stopped to watch the engine pass, and was captured in the small group of bystanders across the street.
Barney Roos graduated from Cornell University with a dual degree in mechanical AND electrical engineering. He worked as a design engineer for several auto manufacturers, most notably Willys-Overland, where he designed the Model MB Jeep for military use in WWII. Roos was considered a giant in design in the automotive industry. Upon his retirement as the head of design for Studebaker, he was asked what he felt was the single biggest achievement in his career. His reply? The New Haven steamer photo.
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