Two Fallen Connecticut Fire Fighters Honored

August 2, 2010 – A sea of fire fighters, family and friends flowed into Bridgeport, Connecticut, to pay tribute to fallen Bridgeport Local 834 fire fighters Steven Velasquez, 40, and Michel Baik, 49. Services for Velasquez and Baik were held July 30.

Full fire fighter honors were bestowed on both as the Connecticut Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums led Ladder 11 (on which both Velasquez and Baik served) and scores of fire fighters and apparatus escorted the bodies of the fallen fire fighters to their respective churches.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, IAFF 3rd District Vice President Mike Mullane, Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut President Pete Carozza and the Local 834 Executive Board were also among those in attendance. They were joined by IAFF leaders and members from across Connecticut and several other states.

General President Schaitberger delivered the eulogy at both services. Of Velasquez, Schaitberger said, “At just 40 years of age, he already had two decades in the fire station. He was already wise beyond his years.

He added, “For 20 years, in two departments, Stevie demonstrated his work ethic and set an example for others to follow. That’s why he received the Medal of Merit, the department’s third-highest award in 2000.”

Of Baik, Schaitberger talked about how the 49-year-old fire fighter had been proud to be Local 834’s oldest probie two years ago at the age of 47. “Mitch was so excited and proud when he became a fire fighter,” said General President Schaitberger. “He held up his badge to show his kids what dad had done.”

Schaitberger continued, “Mitch approached the job like the man he was, accustomed to hard work and long hours, eager to sacrifice for his family and his community.”

Schaitberger concluded both tributes by presenting the families with the IAFF Medal of Honor. Then fire fighter processions formed again to lead their fallen brothers to their final resting place.

The two Local 834 fire fighters made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to house fire. Upon arrival, they went to the third floor of the home, a converted apartment, to ventilate and search for potential trapped victims. It is speculated that the two ran out of air and sent a Mayday. They were found unconscious and transported to local hospitals. Both were declared dead a short time later.

The Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire and potential SCBA failures.

Velasquez, who joined the Bridgeport Fire Department in 1994, is survived by his wife Marianne, his children Aaron (16) and Salina (20 months), his mother Carol, his brother Jason and his sister Cindy.

Baik, who joined the Bridgeport Fire Department in 2008, is survived by his wife Laurie, his children Andrew (19), Thomas (17) and Margaret (12), his mother Mary and his sister Rania.