
Photo of the July local ceremony courtesy of Anthony Mullin.
ANSONIA – The memory of a firefighter whose line of duty death was not recognized more than 100 years ago will finally receive recognition from the state.
Valley volunteer firefighters, specifically members of Eagle Hose Hook & Ladder Co. in Ansonia, did the research and submitted the paperwork to make sure that the late Samuel E. Cotter’s name will be added to the Connecticut Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Windsor Locks.
Click here for a previous story on the effort.
Ansonia Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Anthony DeLucia recently received a letter from the state, formally acknowledging the firefighters’ request will be granted.
“Even though it was 122 years ago, Mr. Cotter will finally get the recognition he deserves,” DeLucia said. ​“This will preserve the history of the Ansonia Fire Department, which is also important. I’m happy for the guys who put the time in with me to see that their efforts paid off.”
The annual ceremony, where Cotter’s name (along with other 2022 inductees) will be read aloud and inducted into the firefighter’s memorial, is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the state memorial, located at 34 Perimeter Rd. in Windsor Locks.
DeLucia expects several members of the department to attend. The department held a small ceremony July 10 at Cotter’s grave site at the Pine Grove Cemetery on Wakelee Avenue to honor him.
DeLucia submitted Cotter’s name for consideration to the Connecticut State Firefighter’s Memorial Committee earlier this year, after learning of Cotter’s untimely death on July 5, 1900 in the line of duty.
Cotter was working on the city’s alarm system. He had climbed atop a telephone pole to make some repairs, became entangled in the wires, and was electrocuted. Cotter, 54, died before rescue workers were able to lower him to the ground.
DeLucia said members of the fire department had heard bits and pieces of Cotter’s tragic fate over the years, but they weren’t actually able to confirm it until they found an article in the former Evening Sentinel newspaper.
DeLucia credited Derby Fire Chief David Lenart, Gene Sharkey, a longtime Webster Hose Co. firefighter and Jen Shuart, head librarian at Ansonia Public Library, for working to find the information about Cotter’s death.
Getting Cotter’s name included on the state memorial, given the nature of his harrowing death, was important to DeLucia. The memorial was built in 2003 and features the names of fallen Connecticut firefighters, inscribed on granite tablets that encircle the base, who died in the line of duty.
Once he learned how Cotter met his fate, DeLucia felt it was the department’s obligation to ensure Cotter received proper recognition.
Paul Walsh, co-chairman of the Connecticut State Firefighter’s Memorial Committee, in his letter to DeLucia offered ​“deepest condolences” over Cotter’s death. Walsh invited DeLucia and the department to lay a wreath at the memorial during the ceremony.
Lenart, who is the grandson of the Valley’s late, renowned Edward J. Cotter – a founding father of the Storm Engine Co. Ambulance and Rescue Corps — was unable to determine if Samuel Cotter was a relative. But Lenart said it’s more than likely because of the Cotter family’s deep firefighter roots and commitment to community service. DeLucia said the department was unable to confirm if Samuel Cotter has any surviving family members.
Lenart found the article about Samuel Cotter at the Derby Public Library earlier this year and helped get the process rolling. He was glad to see the state approve Cotter for the state memorial.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Lenart said. ​“Sam Cotter gave his life in service to his city and should be properly remembered.”