Beacon Hose sadly announces the passing of longtime firefighter Tom O’Connell, who died Sept. 27 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tom joined Beacon Hose as a firefighter in July 1995 after previously serving in the Oxford Center Fire Company. As a career truck driver, his driving expertise was second to none in the local fire service. Tom was also a skilled pumper who fought countless fires on Engine 2, which Beacon Hose acquired at around the same time that he joined. He pridefully drove Engine 2 through many parades, including the 2015 Connecticut State Firefighters Association Convention parade here in Beacon Falls.
For several decades, Tom was a staple at Beacon Hose events — especially behind the grill serving up sausage and peppers at our carnival. He was a good friend to many firefighters not just at Beacon Hose, but throughout the Valley, often representing our company at events.
Our prayers and best wishes go out to Tom’s family and many friends, both in and out of the fire service. Services will be held Oct. 2 — more information and details on Tom’s life are available in his obituary.
