Flags across Connecticut are flying at half-staff in honor of the Hartford firefighter who was killed battling a house fire, reports NBC Connecticut.
Forty-eight-year-old Kevin Lamont Bell is the first Hartford firefighter to die fighting a fire in 40 years, according to state records.
“The Hartford Fire Department family has lost one of its own. Firefighter Kevin Bell represents and embodies the best in all of us,” Hartford Fire Chief Carlos Huertas said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “He made the ultimate sacrifice without hesitation or reservation.”
Bell, a member of Engine 16, worked for the fire department for more than six years and leaves behind a wife and daughter, according to Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra.
His brother, Shawn Bell, said during the news conference that Kevin Bell’s work as a firefighter meant everything to him.
“Everything he put his hands toward, he wanted to make sure he did it the right way,” Shawn Bell said, describing his brother as a talented deejay, dedicated athlete and community-oriented resident who was active in his daughter’s life.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration firefighter fatality report, Firefighter Bell died from injuries sustained while operating at a residential structure fire. Several other firefighters were injured in the incident, transported to the hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries. Investigation into the fatal fire continues by local and state authorities.
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