Using their cellphone flashlights, Connecticut firefighters, state representatives, and Plainville residents created a sea of stars at Tinty Stadium at Plainville High School. In remembrance of a deceased Plainville firefighter, they heard a member of the community perform Amazing Grace.
Raymond Ray Moreau passed away on Sunday after being struck by a piece of a broken fire vehicle. He spent almost 35 years as a member of the Plainville Fire Company.
The community had the opportunity to honor Moreau as a brother and a mentor to many during the Tuesday night vigil.
According to Fire Captain John Myska, who has been with Moreau for 23 years, Ray always knew exactly what to say to cheer us up, no matter what was happening. Seriously, his words had a lot of impact.
Moreau’s neighbor and the vice president of the Plainville Board of Education, Foster White, said it was significant to see so many residents of the town unite.
Ray is a terrific, great, great citizen who has always been a great donor and contributor to his community. And, in reality, we lose people like that. “That’s a huge loss,” White remarked. After graduating from high school, he first served in the Marine Corps and has always been a true supporter of the community and its residents. And the best way to characterize him would be as an excellent neighbor.
Like family to many
William Bill Gammon, Moreau’s closest buddy, has 40 years of experience with the Plainville Fire Company. He claimed that his adopted family consists of Ray and the Moreaus.
Ray got along well with children. According to Gammon, he would show them things and bring out the child in them. Many, many, many people will miss what he had and what he had to offer for the remainder of his life.
At fundraising events, Thomas Moschini, the fire chief of Plainville, said that he could always find Moreau playing with the children.
He is referred to as Uncle Ray. “My children and grandchildren adore Ray, and Ray adored them,” Moschini added. His wife is a wonderful person, and they have a terrific time together away from the firehouse. make you chuckle, but he will be sincerely missed.
Moschini promised to keep inviting Christine, Ray’s wife, to upcoming fundraising events. At the vigil, the company displayed firefighter boots so that neighbors could write words or prayers for the family and give to causes that Moreau was most passionate about.
He was concerned about everyone. We are in the industry. We care about folks we don’t know and are trying to help them. However, he does follow up to inquire about that person’s well-being. How is the victim of the recent accident doing? Moschini uttered those words. You know, it’s heartbreaking how much he cares.
My brother Ray, Rest in peace, Moschini whispered in a tremulous voice. Let’s continue from here. I love you.
Details emerge as the investigations go on.
Just before 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Moreau was one of the first who responded to a house fire. According to state police, he was struck by a piece of the fire engine that broke off when he was standing close to it outside the house.
While at the scene, Moreau had serious injuries to his legs; he subsequently passed away following medical surgery.
Moreau died from severe force trauma to his head, neck, chest, and limbs, according to the chief medical examiner’s office, which declared his death to be an accident on Monday.
Together with the local prosecutor’s office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, state police are looking into the accident.
Find out more
On Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., friends and family will be gathered at Plainville Funeral Home for a wake.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Central Connecticut State University’s Welte Hall will host a celebration of life.
We’ll be updating this story. This report was contributed to by the Associated Press.
