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Stamford Firefighters Get Help in Wake of Tragedy

STAMFORD, Conn. — Trauma counselors will help Stamford firefighters and other emergency responders deal with the deaths of five people during the Christmas Day fire on Shippan Avenue.

The counseling team will include specialists as well as people who have gone through similar experiences, Mayor Michael Pavia said during a Tuesday news conference. About 70 Stamford fire and rescue personnel responded throughout the day Sunday.

“It is a tough thing for us. A lot of our guys have kids, too,” Stamford firefighter Brendan Keatley said of the effect the tragedy has had on Stamford Fire & Rescue members. Madonna Badger, the homeowner, lost her three children and both of her parents in the blaze, which she and Michael Borcina survived.

“You are never prepared for something like this,” said Acting Fire Chief Antonio Conte, a firefighter for nearly 40 years. “That poor woman lost her entire family in one fell swoop.”

Stamford firefighters made several attempts to rescue those inside the home, but the heat and flames forced them out. The heat was so intense it melted the plastic on the firefighters' masks, Keatley said.

Four firefighters were injured making rescue attempts, Keatley said in a letter to the editor on behalf of the fire union. Capt. Mark Shannon received the worst injuries, suffering second-degree burns to his face. Other firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation, the letter said. Keatley was not one of the first responders, but he said he got to the scene later to relieve others.

Shannon’s crew from Engine 4 in the Shippan station responded about six minutes after the first call, Conte said. They were on their way back from another call when the fire was reported, which led to the quick response time, he said.

Keatley urged residents to contact Stamford Fire & Rescue or the fire marshals with questions about fire safety. He said firefighters prefer to go to homes and check escape plans and smoke detectors before a fire takes place rather than after.

“All you can do is be prepared,” Keatley said. 

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