Volunteer Firefighter Fatally Struck Leaving Fire Department

Salem, Conn. - Sunday evening one of a firefighter’s worst fears came true as members of the Garner Lake Fire Company were called to help one of their own. A member was struck by a passing van while walking home for a Halloween event held at the fire department.

At approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company, along with the Salem Volunteer Fire Company and an American Ambulance Paramedic, were dispatched to the area of 429 Old Colchester Rd (Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company) for reports of a pedestrian struck.

According to the Connecticut State Police, a 69-year-old man was walking back to his residence after attending a Trunk or Treat event at the Gardner Lake Fire Company where he was a member. As he attempted to cross the dark roadway, he was fatally struck by a 43-year-old Salem woman, operating a 2013 Grand Caravan SE, as she traveled northbound past the fire department. The man was pronounced deceased on the scene.

There were no apparent injuries to the occupants of the van but the operator was transported to Backus Hospital for evaluation.

This accident remains under investigation, anyone with information may contact TFC Greg DeCarli #1090 at Troop K, 860-465-5400.

Agencies that responded, or were dispatched, included: the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company, Salem Volunteer Fire Company, American Ambulance Paramedic, and the Connecticut State Police Troop K.

In accordance with Quiet Corner Alerts policy, the name of the victim has been withheld.