3rd Manchester Fire Rescue EMS Department​ Veteran Retires This Week

MANCHESTER, CT — Another veteran of the Manchester Fire Rescue and EMS Department retired this week.

On Friday, Lt. Kevin Cooney was recognized for his 26-plus years of of service.

Over his career, Cooney worked at multiple companies, including Manchester Fire Headquarters, Engine 5 and, most recently, Engine 3.

Cooney was instrumental in the operation of the department's honor guard as well as benevolent engagements.

"Lt Cooney leaves MFRE having attended an untold number of incidents and assisting countless citizens," fire officials said.

Battalion Chief Eric Borden and Lt. Brian Blaise also retired this week from the Manchester Fire Rescue and EMS Department after 25-year careers.

Borden was hired in March of 1997 and rose through the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant to battalion chief. He was also a training chief for the department and finished his career as the shift commander for Group 4 Borden is taking the position as chief of department for the Torrington Fire Department.

Blaise Blaise served in multiple capacities at multiple stations, attended to "countless" calls and served "an untold number of citizens over the years," officials said. He was instrumental in providing driver and pump training to new firefighters and served on the department's peer support team.