PLAINVILLE, CT – Raymond “Ray” Alan Moreau, a 60-year-old veteran volunteer firefighter and beloved member of the Plainville Fire Department, tragically lost his life on Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, while responding to a house fire on Maria Road.
Fire crews were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. after reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions that fully engulfed the residence. Mutual aid was called in from the Bristol and Farmington fire departments to assist in extinguishing the blaze, which ultimately destroyed the home. During firefighting operations, Moreau, a 35-year veteran of the Plainville Volunteer Fire Department, was standing near a fire apparatus when a piece of equipment unexpectedly detached and struck him, causing severe injuries to his legs.
Moreau was immediately rushed to the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, where he underwent emergency surgery but succumbed to his injuries. No other injuries were reported, and the family residing in the home escaped unharmed, though they were displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Moreau dedicated countless hours to serving the Plainville community as a volunteer firefighter. His selflessness and commitment were emblematic of his character, earning him widespread respect and admiration. “This person’s a volunteer. They volunteer their time to do a job which is not a safe job. They put their lives on the line, and they do it for years and years,” said Plainville Police Chief Christopher Vanghele. “Whenever there’s a death like that, it’s the death of a hero. My heart goes out to the family for that sacrifice.”
The loss of Moreau has reverberated across Connecticut, with fire departments and officials statewide expressing their condolences. “On behalf of the Chiefs and Members of the Wethersfield Fire Department, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Plainville Fire Department members, family members, and the Fire Service community, on today’s LODD [Line of Duty Death] of your member. May he Rest in Peace,” stated Chief Schroll of the Wethersfield Fire Department. State Comptroller Sean Scanlon also honored Moreau, noting, “Ray Moreau served our country in the Marine Corps and served Plainville for 35 years as a volunteer firefighter. This morning he did what volunteer firefighters selflessly do: got out of bed early on a Sunday to go help a neighbor. Tragically, he lost his life doing so.”
In a statement, Governor Ned Lamont expressed profound sorrow: “It is with extreme sadness today that we mourn the life of Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect his community. Today’s tragedy is another reminder about the extraordinary risk that firefighters face as part of their duties, and they are heroes for assuming these responsibilities.” In honor of Moreau’s ultimate sacrifice, Governor Lamont ordered all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately, to remain so until sunset on the day of Moreau’s interment, which has not yet been announced.
The Connecticut State Police are investigating both the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding Moreau’s death. As the Plainville community and the broader state mourn, Moreau is remembered as a true hero whose courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service will leave a lasting legacy.