Tolland Resident Back Safely From Western Firefighting Deployment

HARTFORD, CT — Tolland's Tristen has returned from a firefighting mission in the West.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Thursday announced the safe return of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew following a recent deployment to Washington and Oregon. The CIFC members who deployed include 15 people from Connecticut, among them six full-time DEEP staff members. The remainder of the crew was comprised of individuals from Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The returning Oregon CIFC crew members are:

• Nathan Leclair from Norwich, CT
• Lillian Glynos from Quaker Hill, CT
• Brandon Wood from Shelton, CT
• Brian Edwards Procida from Brockton, MA
• Robert Yost from Milford, CT
• Jason Elliot Bjornberg from East Haddam, CT
• Steven Thomson Pellicano from Bethany, CT
• Daniel Denyer from Bloomfield, CT
• Brody Danielson from Coventry, CT
• Corey Pelletier from Exeter, RI
• Andrew Fitzsenry from Providence, RI
• Abigail Merchant from Griswold, CT
• Alan Olenick from Lebanon, CT
• Anthony John Flamino from East Otis, MA
• Gunnar George Norback from Cheshire, CT
• Tristan Benjamin Renshaw from Tolland, CT
• Zachary Placzek from South Windsor, CT
• Michael Kronick from Stratford, CT
• Jeremy Clark from East Hartland, CT

The DEEP's Forestry Division, which oversees CIFC, maintains a roster comprising agency staff members and private individuals, many of whom are closely affiliated with local fire departments.

The firefighters have undergone rigorous training and successfully completed an annual physical work capacity test and refresher training.

"The Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew is an excellent example of how Connecticut helps support its fellow states," Gov. Ned Lamont said. "The members of the CIFC are dedicated individuals who have my thanks for not only the difficult and critical work they do, but for also being wonderful examples of what makes Connecticut such a great state."

Added DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, "We deeply appreciate the dedication and selflessness of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew. The willingness of these individuals to take time out of their lives to protect others across the country is a testament to their bravery and commitment to serving others. I am particularly proud of the DEEP Staff members who took part in this deployment."

The Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC) operates under the coordination of DEEP's Forestry Division and actively participates in the reciprocal aid program operated by the U.S. Forest Service.