Greenwich Fire Department Hires 5 New Firefighters

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Fire Department is swearing in five new members during a ceremony today, July 28, at fire headquarters on Havemeyer Place, who will replace five long-time members who have recently retired.

The recent retirees are: Fire Marshal Shawn McDonnell, 28.5 years; Lieutenant Jim Freebairn, 27.5 years; Firefighter Rick Magalnick, 28.25 years; Firefighter Ray Little, 20.5 years; and Firefighter Rick Petrizzi, 20 years. Department Facebook posts about Little's and Magalnick's last shifts are below.

Joining Greenwich's Bravest are:

Connor Johnson, from Middletown: Badge #1701

• Bachelor’s in Fire Science and Administration from UNH
• Former Firefighter in Cromwell and works PT EMT for AMR
• Connor is certified to firefighter 2 level, Haz Mat Ops and EMT Certifications
• Connor was also a volunteer firefighter in Harwinton, CT for 10 years and an Eagle Scout

Stephen Brennan, from Trumbull: Badge #1702

• Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University and Bachelor’s in management from Central Connecticut State U.
• Stephen is a retired 22-year veteran of the Wilton Police Department, where he retired as a Lieutenant
• Also an 8 year member of Trumbull Center Vol Fire Dept.
• EMT and FF 1, Haz Mat Ops Certifications also a PADI master scuba diver trainer

Peter Purcell, from Greenwich: Badge #1703

• Peter is the youngest of 9 siblings, with 8 older sisters
• Peter is a Greenwich High School graduate Class of 2003
• National Guard service member for 8 years/Rank Specialist E4 COMBAT MEDIC, Deployed to Afghanistan in 2012
• Medical assistant then became a personal trainer, Certified EMT

Nicholas Salvador, from Marlbourgh, MA: Badge #1704

• Bachelor’s Degree Occupational Health University of Connecticut
• EMT and Fire 1, Haz Mat OPs Certifications
• Past Volunteer Somers Fire Department

Brian Stevens, from Ansonia: Badge #1705

• Brian has previously worked as a plumber
• He was also an Eagle scout
• EMT and FF 2, Haz Mat Ops Certifications
• Volunteer Firefighter Seymour for past 7 years

Photo of the five new Greenwich firefighters via the department's Facebook page; Greenwich Fire Department on Havemeyer Place by Alfred Branch