New Firefighters Sworn-In, Another Promoted

NEW LONDON, CT — Three new firefighters were worn in Friday. And longtime, well-known and highly-regarded firefighter Russell Barberi has been promoted to Lieutenant.

Mayor Michael Passero and Fire Chief Tom Curcio announced the swearing, held Friday at the New London Fire Department headquarters, earlier this week.

Barberi has had a celebrated career of saving lives.

Prior to working in New London, he was a member of both the Montville and East Lyme Volunteer Fire departments. He was also a SUBASE firefighter for two years. He was sworn in to the New London Fire Department in 1996. Throughout his career, Barberi has been preparing himself for a leadership position within our department. Besides being a state-certified EMT, he's also a certified fire officer, fire instructor, health and safety officer, and rescue technician with a long list of skills. He's an instructor at the Eastern Connecticut Regional Fire School, the Connecticut Fire Academy and Connecticut Custom Fire Training. He has numerous state and federal certifications. Barberi also has many individual unit citations for extraordinary service.
• Rescuing a swimmer in distress from the Thames River in 2007
• Design and set-up of an entry level Firefighter agility exam
• A motor vehicle vs pedestrian accident in 2016 where an individual was pinned underneath a car
requiring stabilization and extrication
• In 2017, quick knockdown of a structure fire while other members were performing a rescue.
After a brief training period, Barberi will be assigned to Group 1 Engine 1 Lieutenant under the command of Battalion Chief Paige.
Barberi and his wife Laurie live in Oakdale with their two sons Joe and Daniel.

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Firefighter Louis Racicot grew up on Norwood Avenue and in 1996 graduated from New London High School. Lou has been involved in emergency services since 1994 as a firefighter, EMT, Paramedic and dispatcher. Lou graduated from the Connecticut State Fire Academy and has numerous other fire and EMS related classes and certifications. Lou’s hobbies include spending time outdoors, riding motorcycles and spending time with his family. Lou and his wife Heather have two children, Madilyn and Benjamin. They reside in East Lyme. Lou spends his spare time coaching various youth sports and is the Vice President of the East Lyme Police Cadet program. After his three-week indoctrination, Lou will be assigned to Group 4 under the command of Battalion Chief Nichols as Engine 3 rider. Today Lou will be pinned by his wife Heather.

Firefighter Tim Joseph grew up in Colchester where he graduated from Bacon Academy in 2013. Tim was recently a career firefighter for the Town of Colchester. He also worked as a 911 dispatcher for both the Colchester and Cromwell emergency dispatch centers. Tim likes to go hiking with his girlfriend Sophia, taking care of his animals, fishing and woodworking. FF Joseph will be assigned to Group 3 under the command of Battalion Chief Waters as Engine 3 Rider.

Firefighter Nick Friday was born and raised in Jewett City. He graduated in 2010 from Harvard H. Ellis in Danielson Connecticut. FF Friday worked locally as a firefighter for the Electric Boat Fire Department and after graduating from recruit school in South Carolina, worked for Horry County Fire Rescue. Nick has a six-year-old son named Kamden and likes to spend time hiking and fishing with his son and girlfriend Katelyn. FF Friday will be assigned to Group 4 Engine 2 Rider under the command of Battalion Chief Nichols. Today Nick will be pinned by both Katelyn and Kamden.