Branford Fire Department Has Suffered an 'Unimaginable Loss': Fire Chief

Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney posted a message on the Fire Department’s Facebook page detailing what the loss of Deputy Chief Ronald Mullen means to the department and to the town.

Here is Chief Mahoney’s full letter:

Dear Firefighters, officers, Commissioners, family and friends,

Branford Fire Department has suffered an unimaginable loss; Ron was our friend, mentor leader and so much more. What Ronnie meant to each of us is impossible to describe with words.

Ron appeared to be chiseled from the very granite for which Branford is known, his square Jaw and tough exterior was contrasted by his bright welcoming eyes and warm smile. His broad shoulders were ever ready to carry any of us when we needed him, something he did for so many.

When Ron walked into a room or took control of a scene his presence immediately put people at ease.

What Ron was feeling inside is much different then what he let us know, I will not try to imagine the depth of the pain he felt but, he was in pain. Like the bedrock beneath us created over years by pressure and time, so it must have been for our friend.

Today we are all in pain; propped up by brotherhood , surrounded and supported by the very community that we are here to protect we will come through our grief and be stronger for it.

You are all champions of selfless service; you have continued to serve our community with the same exemplary level of commitment BFD is known for and I am so proud of you.

Today we laid our brother to rest with dignity and honor. Tomorrow the pain will be there but take comfort knowing Ron is watching over all of us just as he did before.

Thank You to everyone for your support. Thank you to Branford Police department, Public Works, our mutual aid partners, AMR, Connecticut Firefighter’s Honor guard and our leaders in government for all you did to help see us through.

Most of all, thank you to the Branford Community for the respect you give whenever we need you.

Yours in Service,
Tom Mahoney
Chief of Department