North Haven Firefighter Dies After 38-Hour Shift, Mourned By Community

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The North Haven Fire Department is mourning the loss of a longtime firefighter who died after suffering a medical emergency when he returned home from a 38-hour continuous shift, according to officials.

Firefighter EMT Anthony Desimone had just completed the 38-hour shift in the fire station and was relieved from duty when he suffered a medical emergency as he arrived home, the North Haven Fire Department said in a news release.

“Family members witnessed him collapse and immediately called 911,” officials wrote in the news release. “Units from North Haven Fire, Police and Nelson Ambulance responded to provide medical care. FF Desimone was transported to the Yale New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced dead after resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.”

Desimone, 50, was a 23-year veteran of the North Haven Fire Department. Before being hired as a career firefighter, he started as a North Haven volunteer firefighter with the North East Volunteer Fire Company #4, according to officials.

Desimone was involved with numerous civic organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and North Haven Little league. He is survived by his wife and two children.

“We want to thank all of the area departments and businesses for their support during this very difficult time,” officials wrote in the news release.

North Haven State Rep. David Yaccarino said the town has “suffered a loss of one of its most dedicated public servants.”

“I am dismayed by Firefighter DeSimone’s passing and mourn his loss alongside his wife, two children, and loved ones,” Yaccarino said in a statement. “Anthony was a close friend of mine and active community member in North Haven. In my 13 years serving North Haven, Anthony was an invaluable resource to me as a legislator and a proud representative of the public safety and fire service communities.

“I cherish our fond memories together — from him leading me in Fire Operations training in 2014 to many visits to our State Capitol, most recently in June 2023 for Fire Service Day. My extended sympathy goes out to the DeSimone family, the North Haven Fire Department, and all who knew Anthony. He will be truly loved and missed, but remembered for over two decades of service to North Haven.”

State Sen. Paul Cicarella said the entire town of North Haven is “shocked and saddened by this loss.”

“Anthony was a friend to many, and always had an open ear and open mind when we talked about ways to improve public safety in the community,” Cicarella said. “Whether as a firefighter, or through his service to many local organizations, he always went above and beyond for others. The only thing Anthony loved more than North Haven was his family—his wife and two children.

“He will be truly missed by his firefighter brethren, and all of us in the town of North Haven. My deepest condolences to his entire family and his brothers and sisters of the North Haven Fire Department.”