Stony Creek Rescue Fire Company 5

March 10, 1993 - LODD
Fire Police Officer George Blanusa, 57
Branford Fire Department. Branford, Connecticut
Volunteer Fire/Police Captain Blanusa went into cardiac arrest while directing traffic at the scene of a motor vehicle accident and died later at the hospital.

Photo: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Emmitsburg, Maryland

It’s been a busy couple of months for the members of Company 5 and the entire Branford fire department responding to multiple fires across town. The cold weather has made it a challenge to operate at any scene. Company 5 is always looking for new members wether it be active Fire, EMS or administrative personnel. Stop by company 5 any Monday night at 7pm or Branford fire HQ to learn more!

With yesterday snowfall please keep these tips in mind:
🚒 Fire Hydrants
Please shovel out fire hydrants near your home.
Crews lose precious time digging them out during emergencies.
Clear 3 feet around the hydrant and a path to the street if possible.

❄️ Shovel Smart
Shovel early and often to prevent heavy buildup.

Push snow instead of lifting when you can, and take breaks—especially during heavy or wet snow.

❤️ Neighbors helping neighbors is what keeps our community safe.

Thank you for doing your part—and thank you for supporting your volunteer firefighters! 👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

November 28, 1996 - LODD
Firefighter Edward F. Ramos, 36 - Engine 5
Branford Volunteer Fire Department. Branford, CT
During an interior attack on a two-alarm arson fire in a one-story masonry carpet warehouse, all firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building as a heavy body of fire was found in the cockloft and conditions began to deteriorate. As the men left the building, three firefighters became trapped when the roof suddenly collapsed, blocking their egress. However, the incident commander was aware of only two men missing, as a volunteer firefighter had entered the structure without his knowledge. Search and rescue teams were able to get one of the men out of the building, and the second one was found suffering with severe smoke inhalation after his helmet and mask were knocked off in the collapse. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. After it was assumed that all the trapped men had been accounted for, it was discovered that Firefighter Ramos was missing. Rescue crews were reassembled, but forced to leave as drums stored in the building began to explode. Firefighter Ramos' body was found four hours later. The face piece of his mask was knocked loose, and he died of smoke inhalation. After an investigation, it was found that the owner of the building, Gene Bontatibus, had set the fire. He was charged arson, and arson murder.

Stony Creek Rescue Fire Company 5 along with Branford Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2533 and East Haven Firefighters Local 1205 had the privilage and honor to provide station coverage at Guilford Fire HQ, while they attended the services for FF Terrio.

The creek had a pretty wild storm tonight. Excellent job by the entire department and our dispatchers for keeping us informed and safe!