It will go unnoticed by many Westporters.
But today marks the 80th anniversary of one of our town’s worst tragedies.
On May 2, 1946 a tire on a truck filled with vulcanizing cement blew on Post Road West, near Sylvan Road.
The driver swerved into a tree. The truck exploded. A huge fire quickly erupted.
First on the scene were ambulance driver Arthur Audley, and his daughter Edna. They helped the trucker and others.
But the driver died the next morning. Also killed were Fire Chief Frank Dennert, former fire chief Francis Dunnigan, and firefighters John H. Gallagher. Dominick Zeoli died later.
Eight others were injured.
A plaque honoring the firefighters, 50 years after the tragedy.
Westporters responded quickly — including more than 2 dozen blood donors, who headed to Norwalk Hospital.
The Westporter-Herald printed an extra edition the next morning (so readers did not have to wait for the afternoon paper), and solicited contributions to the Firemen’s Fund. A benefit baseball game raised more money.
Four people seriously injured in the explosion — Zeoli, George and Jimmy Powers, and 13-year-old John Saviano — were still in the hospital more than 7 weeks later, on June 23.
Their spirits were lifted when they received a surprise visit (and autographed baseballs) from Babe Ruth. He was a frequent golfer at Birchwood Country Club, and Saviano was often his caddy.
Babe Ruth autographs a baseball for George “Nookie” Powers. His soon-to-be wife Virginia “Jinx” Closson looks on.
The fire was seared into the memories of all who were in Westport, 80 years ago today.
But very few Westporters remain who remember it.
Firefighters do. The 4 comrades’ names are part of the state’s Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Windsor Locks.
The Connecticut Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
And now, much closer to home, a Staples High School senior — born more than 6 decades after the tragedy — has ensured that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
For his Eagle Scout project, Seamus designed and built a custom cabinet to house the helmets of Chief Frank Dennert, former Chief Dunnigan, and Gallagher and Zeoli.
Seamus Brannigan (3rd from left) in front of his cabinet with, from left, Chief Nicholas Marsan, Assistant Chief Jeason Kronenberger, and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen. In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Brannigan is a member of Staples Players, a choral and rock group singer, and captain of the 2026 wrestling team.
There are helmets too for George Cardozo and Turker Aksoy, who died in the line of duty in 2000 and 2019, respectively.
The Westport Fire Department says that Seamus’ work “ensures their legacy is never forgotten, while creating a meaningful space for reflection for our members and visitors.”
Yesterday, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie led a solemn ceremony at fire headquarters, honoring all those who gave their lives serving our community.
“Their sacrifice remains a significant part of Westport’s history, and continues to shape the values and traditions of the fire service today,” he said.
Today, let’s all take a moment to reflect on May 2, 1946; on those 4 firefighters, and on all that our Fire Department has done for all of us, every day since then.
Memorial at Westport Fire Department Headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
I still see the spirit of those first responders is still evident in our community long after there is no one who was present among us still here as witness. May we always remember why we are here: For Each Other
Some records say Babe Ruth played Longshore, not Birchwood.
Francine,
I’m pretty sure your sources are correct. It was Longshore back when it was an “exclusive” club. I think it was Henny Youngman who said “I wouldn’t want to join a club that would have me as a member.” Well, back then it was Longshore.
Congratulations to Seamus Brannigan for a job well done in keeping the memory of those brave fire fighters alive!
Seamus Brannigan – thank you for honoring Westport’s fallen firefighters!
Great article! Thank you for your service.
My wife of 68 years remembers it well. Chief Dennert was her uncle. Regarding the Birchwood/Longshore question, it was definitely Birchwood. John Saviano was a friend and brother officer at Westport Police Department and told me the story about Babe Ruth including the fact that he had often caddied for the Babe when he played at Birchwood. – Dick Alley
Thank you Seamus for doing this for our wonderful Westport fire dept and all there members who past then I also want thank Nick and Matt and Jason and Jen. And our first selectman office honor our firefighters thanks Westport Fire Department for all you do for the town of Westport and wehn we assist other towns