WATERBURY, CT — May 10th — The 36th anniversary of the line-of-duty deaths of Firefighters Howard Hughes and Heriberto "Eddie" Rivera, who passed away on May 10, 1990, while serving the City of Waterbury, was observed by the Waterbury Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1339.

According to department records, a backup fire engine that was responding down Highland Avenue lost its brakes close to West Main Street. Jim Morotto, a firefighter, tried to manage the equipment and lessen the incident's effects. Bill Gannon, a firefighter who was also on Engine 11, eventually stayed with Company 11 until he retired. Memorials honoring firefighters and their contributions to the department and community are still maintained at Station 11.