05/10/2024
We are saddened by the passing of William T. Coughlin Jr., one the greats of the New Haven Fire Dept., as well as a good American who served our nation. Our condolences and prayers are with AC Dan Coughlin and the entire Coughlin family.
William T. Coughlin Jr. was appointed to the New Haven Fire Department on July 1, 1970 and served the City of New Haven honorably for 28 and one-half years retiring on January 1, 1998.
Bill was one of 98 new firefighters who joined the department at the beginning of the 42-hour work week when a fourth division was added thanks to the efforts of Local 825’s bargaining team. He was assigned to Engine Company #11 in the Hill section of the city. In 1978 he was transferred to Engine Company #10 on Lombard Street where he spent the rest of his career at the Fair Haven Station working with Engine Company #7 and Hook & Ladder #3.
During his distinguished career Bill and his comrades were awarded Unit Citation four times for actions on the fire ground. On June 24, 1987 at 444 Orange Street – a fire in a Victorian mansion under renovation raced through the third floor in the late evening bringing eleven fire companies to the dramatic three alarm blaze.
On May 16, 1990 at 6:43 in the morning nine companies battled a two-alarm smokey blaze that claimed the lives of two people despite the gallant efforts of the firefighters. On November 1, 1990 a four-alarm fire at 3:52 a.m. at Fillmore Street and Pine Street destroyed a vacant building and damaged six others. The intensity of the incendiary blaze and its radiant heat threatened to destroy the block.
On January 18, 1994 teamwork and quick action prevented an automobile that was teetering upside down on the edge of a highway bridge on Interstate 91 North from plunging 40 feet with two sisters trapped inside. The dramatic rescue was accomplished during an icy rain with a four-foot snow drift along the highway railing.
He was a loyal member of New Haven Firefighter’s Local 825. Bill, a United States Army veteran served during the Vietnam era prior to joining New Haven’s Bravest. Sadly, he passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024 in Connecticut Hospice. May he rest in peace.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday afternoon from 3:00-6:00 in the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. 11 Wooster Place in New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Michael McGivney Parish at St. Mary Church, 5 Hillhouse Ave in New Haven Monday morning at 10:00. Burial will be private.
