Lt. Bruce Bachinsky‚ 47‚ died of a heart attack on October 26‚ 2010‚ after working a 24-hour shift. Bruce was a decorated firefighter‚ earning two unit citations during his 12-year career. The first‚ in 1999‚ was for work at a structure fire‚ and the second‚ in October 2005‚ was for a rescue from the Naugatuck River. Bruce joined the Waterbury Fire Department on October 16‚ 1998. He was promoted to lieutenant in June 2009 and was assigned to Engine Company 8.

Bruce was born on July 17‚ 1963. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1981. He earned associate degrees in manufacturing engineering and in computer aided drafting and design from Waterbury State Technical College. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for Pilgrim Airlines in Windsor Locks before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Bruce completed ranger training and served with the 2nd 75th Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis‚ Washington. Upon completion of his tour‚ he continued his military career with the Connecticut National Guard. Bruce worked as a manufacturing engineer for five years before joining the Waterbury Fire Department.

Bruce was active in his community‚ having coached the Bunker Hill girls’ basketball and softball teams for many years. He was an avid cyclist and enjoyed working on his Nissan 240SX in his spare time.

Bruce and his wife‚ Helen‚ were married for 18 years and had two daughters‚ Laura (17) and Michelle (15). Bruce was a devoted husband and father. He is sadly missed by them; his parents Roy and Margaret; his sister Daron; his brother Craig and by his many friends.