STATEMENT ON THE LINE-OF-DUTY DEATH OF NORTH HAVEN FIREFIGHTER MATTHIAS (MATT) WIRTZ

Statement from Mayor Carfora 

December 27, 2022

In the early morning hours of December 26th, I was notified by Fire Chief Marcarelli that personnel from our department were assisting North Haven at a structure fire as part of our mutual aid agreement. He went on to give me the very sad news that it appeared a Firefighter from North Haven had succumbed to injuries sustained in the course of his duties. I was immediately impacted by the profound sadness learning of the passing of Firefighter Matthias Wirtz not only because of the time of year, but also because of the sacrifices first responders make which in many instances includes sacrificing their own lives. I was also informed, and extremely proud that our East Haven Firefighter / Paramedics were directly involved in attempting to resuscitate Firefighter Wirtz.

On behalf of the Town of East Haven I express my sincerest condolences to Firefighter Wirtz’s Family and to his brother & sister firefighters. Earlier I had a phone conversation with North Haven First Selectman Freda to offer condolences to his entire community, but to also offer any resources our town can provide leading up to the services for Firefighter Wirtz.

Chief Marcarelli has assured me that the East Haven Firefighters working at this tragedy and involved in the rescue have been provided with all the services the department can provide to help them deal with the loss of this brother firefighter.