Burlington Firefighter Dies Due To Medical Emergency

BURLINGTON, CT — A Burlington firefighter who suffered became suddenly ill while responding to a fire in New Hartford on Tuesday has died, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont. Colin McFadden, 26, passed away Thursday.

McFadden was rushed to John Dempsey Hospital for emergency surgery. Fire officials said Thursday that doctors found that McFadden had an undiagnosed form of leukemia, NBC CT reported.

The Burlington Fire Department said the following in a statement: "The family as well as the Fire Department are overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support from Fire, EMS and Police Departments across the State and beyond, as well as the community at-large."

McFadden had been one of many fighting a fire that severely damaged a historic building in New Hartford Tuesday morning, NBC CT reported. The call reporting the fire at the multi-use building on Bridge Street came in at 2:25 a.m.

Twenty-nine fire departments were called in to fight the blaze and over 100 firefighters were at the scene. Three firefighters were taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Lamont directed that flags be flown at half-staff Thursday to honor the fallen firefighter.

"It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Burlington Firefighter Colin McFadden, who responded early Tuesday morning to a tragic fire out of a courageous sense of duty and compassion to protect the lives of others," Lamont said in a statement. "This is a terrible reminder of the dangers that firefighters put themselves in each time they respond to an emergency. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters from the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department."

The 20 adults and two children living in the building were all unharmed.

The New Hartford House was built in 1850 and served as the community's centerpiece on Route 44 for generations, News 12 reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

See related: Fire Destroys Historic Building In New Hartford