Local Firefighters Honored After Saving Baby

April 16, 2025


 

I would like wish a joyful and peaceful Easter to all who celebrate! May this day bring hope, renewal, and time well spent with loved ones. 

At the Capitol, the legislative session is moving quickly right now, with committees wrapping up their work by deadlines to start sending bills to the floor. I'll keep you updated on any developments on bills affecting the 6th District. 

Four firefighters were honored this week for saving a two-week old baby in Hartford. Please keep scrolling to learn more about their heroic actions and to see pictures of the ceremony. 

The state is expanding benefits for firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. I'll break down why this is such an important development for the health of our firefighters.

These are the sections in today's email: 

  • Firefighters Honored After Saving Baby
  • Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
  • Childcare & Early Education Discussion
 

Firefighters Honored After Saving Baby

The City of Hartford honored four local firefighters who saved a baby’s life. The four heroes jumped into action and helped the two-week old infant, named Alinah Delorbe, who was not breathing. The emergency happened in February of last year. Alinah and her family joined the firefighters at a ceremony on Monday night and thanked them for their life saving actions!

I would also like to recognize Fire Lt. Nelson Viera, Pump Operator Justin Ford as well as firefighters Samuel Carraballo and Evan Seals from Engine Company 15 for demonstrating courage and bravery. This selfless act reminds us of the profound impact firefighters have on our lives, making a difference when it matters most. Congratulations on earning this well-deserved honor!
 

Cancer Screenings for Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe. The last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

I am happy to share that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years. 

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
Click here to learn more
 

Childcare & Early Education Discussion

You have an opportunity to learn about the work my colleagues and I are doing to advance meaningful child care and early education legislation. The entire West Hartford Delegation will host a community conversation on Monday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the West Hartford Community Center.

We will also dig deeper into House Priority Bill 5003, which is aimed at expediting funding for families, attracting and retaining child care educators, and enhancing both new and existing child care facilities. 
 
We want to hear from you. Your questions, thoughts, and concerns help shape our work at the Capitol. I look forward to a productive and meaningful conversation. I hope to see you on Monday!