34 Years After Suffering Incapacitating Injuries in 1992 Chapel St. Blaze, Firefighter Thomas Kelly Dies

NEW HAVEN, CT — In a letter to the membership of the New Haven Fire Department, Chief Daniel T. Coughlin shared the news that former firefighter Thomas Kelly had passed away Monday.

Described as a hero and a legend, Kelly was sworn in as one of New Haven's bravest in 1979.

On a winter's day in 1992, fighting a Chapel Street blaze in a building rife with code violations, including a secret shaft, Kelly plunged 30 feet down the illegal tunnel and was seriously injured, incapacitating him for the last 34 years.

Coughlin said the rescue of Kelly was "one of the largest rescue operations in modern history."

Thirty-four years after that perilous fall, his is a line-of-duty death.

Coughlin's letter:

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Firefighter Thomas Kelly Tillerman Truck 4 Division 3. Firefighter Kelly was appointed to The New Haven Fire Department October 10, 1979.

On February 26, 1992, Firefighter Kelly operating at a Signal 73, ascended to the roof of 1142 Chapel street. A property riddle with fire code violations, most notably a shaft that had been covered over. Firefighter Kelly ultimately fell through that shaft, landing 30 feet below. This triggered one of the largest rescue operations in modern history. The injuries sustained that night resulted in Firefighter Kelly being incapacitated for the last 34 years.

Today, thirty-four years later, he succumbed to his injuries. Thirty-four years of strength and resilience. The same strength and resilience that is in each and every one of you. Firefighter Kelly is a testament to the strength and honor that
is present in this department and in each and every New Haven Firefighter.

It is my life’s honor to be your Chief.

Please pray for him, his family and our great department. Tommy Kelly is a hero, a legend, and our brother. We will never forget him.