Four members of the Watch Hill Fire Department, as well as two Stonington police
officers, were honored at a ceremony in recognition of their bravery during a life-saving
water rescue.
On October 12, 2023, members of the Watch Hill Fire Department, along with family and friends, gathered at the Stonington Police Station to recognize and honor four members
of the Watch Hill Fire Department and two Stonington police officers for their brave
actions. Connecticut State Representative Greg Howard and Connecticut State Senator
Heather Somers presented Watch Hill Firefighter Thomas F. Donoghue, Firefighter
Joseph Parrilla, Fire Safety Officer John Cagno, Fire Marshal Christopher D. Moore,
and Stonington Police Officers Jeffrey Hewes and Troy Powell with Connecticut State
Citations. Stonington First Selectwoman Danielle Millard Chesebrough also presented
the group with Stonington Commendations.
On August 19, 2023, the Watch Hill Fire Department and Stonington Police were called
to a medical emergency/water rescue on a moving boat off of Watch Hill. The skipper
was in cardiac arrest, and the responders were able to board and then control the boat
and save the man’s life with the use of an AED defibrillator/CPR, while getting him
safely to shore to EMS, all during rough sea conditions.
Watch Hill Fire Chief Dennis Reall said, “I am very proud of these four individuals along
with our entire department, who train and serve to help protect the health and safety of
the community. And we are very fortunate to work along with talented neighboring first
responders, like the outstanding Stonington Police Department.”
Watch Hill Fire Safety Officer John Cagno added when talking about the water rescue, “I
wanted to recognize the contributions of the skipper’s wife and the good Samaritan, who
helped pilot the boat to safety.”
Fire Marshal Christopher Moore added, “It was a team effort! I am very proud to be part
of this team. Without the involvement of all, this positive outcome would not have been
possible.”
Watch Hill Fire District Moderator Joan Beth Brown said, “we are very proud of our four
members of the Fire Department and the Stonington Policemen for their heroic actions
at the water rescue as we are of all our members of the Watch Hill Fire Department. We
are extremely grateful to have such a talented and brave Fire Department.”
- Category: WHFD News
