North Madison Volunteer Firefighter Killed In Accident

MADISON, CT — The Madison community and beyond is mourning the tragic death of North Madison Volunteer Fire Company firefighter Crew Kirst, 21, who was killed in a motor vehicle collision in North Branford on July 2.

"Crew was a very active Explorer and Junior member of the department for several years during high school, and had just recently returned to the department as a senior member. Crew's enthusiasm, energy, and good nature will be missed by all," the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company posted on its Facebook page.

On July 2, there was an accident that occurred on Notch Hill Road on the North Branford/Branford town lines involving a car and a tractor trailer. The accident remains under investigation.

According to his obituary on the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home website, he was an adoptee from Russia and is survived by his mother and father Amy and Richard Kirst and his three siblings Cristine Suppies (Austin), Jason Hine (Megan) and Abigail Hine.

"As an adoptee from Russia, many would consider Crew lucky to have joined our loving family, but as time has shown, Crew’s family were the ones blessed to have been touched by him," the obituary states. "As the youngest of four siblings, Crew acted as a glue, bonding his family tightly together; not one for grand gestures, Crew showed his love and devotion to his family in his daily actions."

On social media, North Branford Fire Department Headquarters Company One said, "We are very sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with all of you and the family!"

Short Beach HH&L Company 4 added, "To your company, family and friends- our thoughts are with you in light of this incredible loss. Rest In Peace, FF Kirst. From your Brothers and Sisters from Short Beach."

Weston Volunteer Fire Department also said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kirst family and your entire department during this difficult time."

Crew was born in St. Petersburg Russia on December 24th 1996. He joined the Kirst family in May 1998.

"From an early age, Crew was able to laugh, joke, and bring an endless amount of laughter and light into our household. His comedic presence lightened our lives from the moment he entered them until his tragic departure," according to his obituary. "His desire to help others in need manifested not only through his daily actions, but also in a strong dedication to the North Madison Fire Department, where Crew served as a volunteer."

Crew is also survived by his grandmother, Anna Kirst, several aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Crew to the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company at 864 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443 or through www.NMVFC.org. Services are being held privately amongst family.

Photo credit: W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home