NORWICH, CT - At 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, April 3rd, the Norwich Fire Department held a memorial ceremony to honor the 60th anniversary of four fallen firefighters from the Van Tassle Explosion on Forest Street.

While attempting to extinguish a box truck on fire, it violently exploded, killing Captain William Sheridan, Leonard Counihan, Edward Romano and Carl Burke. Two other firefighters were significantly injured and had to wait about 30 minutes to be rescued due to the severity of the fire. The truck was carrying organic peroxides and this event helped change the way hazardous materials must be labeled/placarded across the country.

We were very fortunate to have retired Lieutenant Tom LaFreniere address the crowd while speaking about the tragic events of this day. Chief Montoya and Lieutenant LaFreniere unveiled a new street sign to honor our fallen brothers. Special thank you to the New London Firefighters Pipes & Drum Band for playing at our ceremony.