Obituary: Linda D. Cohens, 50; Hamden Resident, New Haven Firefighter

From Howard K. Hill Funeral Services

Linda D. Cohens, 50, of Hamden born April 10, 1964 in New Haven, quietly passed away on January 11, 2015 at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Linda worked, for 18 years, as a firefighter and paramedic for the City of New Haven. She was the second black female paramedic in New Haven’s history and a member of the New Haven Firebird’s Society. Linda was appointed to cadet at the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy on December 10, 1997.

After graduating from the Academy as a Firefighter, Linda was assigned to Engine 9, Division 4 on May 2, 1998. Linda gained her EMT Certification and served as Acting EMT on Emergency 2, Division 4 on May 3, 1999. She was then assigned to Emergency 1, Division 4 on October 18, 2000.

Linda gained her Paramedic License on November 1, 2001 and was assigned to Emergency 1, Division 2 at the same time. Her last assignment was Engine 16, Division 2. Linda received a letter of commendation on August 15, 1999 for basic life support services performed at a motorcycle vs. vehicle accident in New Haven and a Unit Citation for another incident in New Haven.

Linda played for the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams until her graduation in 1982. During her years in attendance at James Hillhouse High she was a sports enthusiast. She moved on to graduate from SCSU with a degree in physical education in 1987.

Linda is survived by her mother Cecelia B. Cohens of New Haven, father Odell Cohens, Sr. (Teresa), twin sister Lynn D. Cohens all of Hamden, brothers Michael L. Cohens of New Haven, Odell Cohens, Jr (Valeria) of NC; sisters Deborah Taylor of Atlanta, G.A., Vanessa Otero of Brockton, M.A., Shauna Cohens of New Haven, and Jada Cohens of Hamden. She also leaves behind her granddaughter Brandy “Boo” Cohens of Hamden and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and co-workers who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her only son Brendan L. Cohens in 2008.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Linda’s honor are being accepting by following this link: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/6h97/linda-cohens-celebration-of-life-memorial-fund?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_wall&utm_campaign=dsp_dt10.

Friends may visit Saturday, Jan. 17 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, located at 782 Orchard St. in New Haven. A celebration of her life will follow at 9 a.m. at the church. Interment will take place at Beaverdale Memorial Park in New Haven.

To leave condolences, visit Howard K. Hill Funeral Services here.