VIDEO: Watch Moving Memoriam To Fallen NHFD Firefighter Thomas Mieles

NEW HAVEN, CT —Killed in a Nov. 2 multi-car crash while off-duty, Thomas Mieles, 27, grew up in Fair Haven. He dreamed of being a firefighter. On the job less than a year, was stationed at Engine 3 Lombard, in his neighborhood, where he was able to protect the community he loved.

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The morning after his death, New Haven Fire Chief John Alston announced the tragic news.

"It is with great sadness of heart of the New Haven fire department announces the passing of firefighter Thomas Mieles," Alston said in a statement last week. "Firefighter Mieles, a New Haven resident, fulfilled his dream of becoming a firefighter this year by joining the department January 12, 2022, was struck down by in a multi-vehicle accident while off duty."

The fire chief directed all department flags lowered to half-mast "in honor of his service to our city."

In June 2021, Mieles' name was the first to be pulled in a firefighter lottery, It was needed as so many recruits at the time "tied for first place with perfect 100 scores on a test for the position, far more than there are openings," it was reported by the New Haven Independent.

The lottery was also a "first-of-its-kind unusual civil-service procedure: Compiling a ranked list of which applicants get to fill empty firefighter slots."

Mieles graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 2013 where he played baseball.

"Thomas loved the fire department," Alston said, "Growing up in this neighborhood and being able to protect his own neighborhood, I understand how proud he was." Mieles was engaged to be married, Alston said.

Mieles, who grew up in the neighborhood that he served, was a "New Haven kid," Mayor Justin Elicker said. He, Chief Alston and other members of the fire department were among those who went to the hospital Wednesday night to comfort his family.

“At 27 years old, we lost firefighter Mieles while he far too young and our hearts break for his family, his fiancé, and his brothers and sisters at the New Haven Fire Department," he said. "The City of New Haven is committed to doing everything we can to support the Mieles family and to ensuring that the New Haven Fire Department has every resource it needs to get through this difficult time.”

Inside the firehouse, scores of firefighters gathered, including some from as far away as Hartford. And his classmates, who Alston called a "very tight-knit group." Therapy dogs were on hand for those in need.

Mieles was described by IAFF president Patrick Cannon as a "young, energetic, full of life firefighter."

"Happy to be here. Happy to do the job. Happy to be part of this family," he said, his voice quaking as he asked for support and prayers for Mieles' family and firefighters in the Lombard station and "every fire house in the city."