Waterbury Firefighters Marked 25 Years Since 9/11

Waterbury, CT — September 11 — Members of the Waterbury Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1339, joined Waterbury police officers, local emergency medical services personnel, city officials, and community members in honoring those who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001, attacks.

One of those remembered was Brian E. Sweeney, a firefighter from the FDNY Rescue 1 team. Sweeney had previously worked with the Waterbury Fire Department, completing a recruit training class before joining the FDNY. He was 29 years old when he died on September 11, 2001.He joined the FDNY in 1995 and was assigned to Rescue Company 1 on August 1, 2001.

Sweeney’s connection to Waterbury was acknowledged as part of the city’s 9/11 remembrance.

Former Waterbury firefighters shared stories about his time in training and his choice to leave the program after being offered a position with the FDNY.

On September 11, Rescue 1 responded to the World Trade Center.

All 11 members of the team were killed in the attacks, including Sweeney.

The Waterbury remembrance event brought together members from various emergency service agencies to honor the people who were lost and to acknowledge the lasting relationship between the Waterbury and New York fire services.

For local firefighters, Sweeney’s story remains an important part of their department’s history and the broader narrative of September 11.