BRIDGEPORT — Gov. M. Jodi Rell visited this morning with firefighters at the 7-ll firehouse that lost two of its own in a blaze Saturday on Elmwood Avenue.
The governor personally thanked the 15 firefighters, either with a handshake or a hug.
“All too often we take for granted all the work that our first responders do for us and the dangers they face each and every day,” said a teary-eyed Rell.
Firefighters were visibly moved by Rell’s visit.
Saturday afternoon, Lt. Steven Velasquez and firefighter Michel Baik died in the house fire.
Smoke inhalation has been determined as the cause of death for the 49-year-old Baik. The state medical examiner’s office also determined he had coronary artery disease that contributed to his death.
A preliminary autopsy on Velasquez, 40, was inconclusive and more tests are being conducted.
The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.
—-By John Burgeson
