Branford Fire Department Thins Out

Since the first week of Januray, ’s 30-plus career firefighters and administrative staff have been making some big cut backs but not by way of pay; their lose has been in pounds– 416 total.

Firefighter/paramedic Jason Karpovich has earned the title of the Biggest Loser and has shed 37 pounds since January 6 as part of a department-wide weight loss program. Deputy Chief Shaun Heffernan, who spearheaded the challenge has been a loser himself taking home the weight loss title in a town competition last year. He’s proud to announce shift competition winners, Division 2 (Deputy Chief John Masci, Captain Joe Petrosino, firefighter John Cudgma, Sr., firefighter Jason Karpovich, firefighter Robert Dobuzinsky, firefighter Jeffry Kaczynski, firefighter Mark Testa and firefighter Tim Kahre) who collectively lost 136.4 pounds.

On weigh-in day, the crew was in good spirits despite knowing the tough challenge ahead (you can see more by taking a peek at this).

In the future, Heffernan shares that Deputy Chief Tim Murray is planning a contest for the volunteer staff (there are more than 100 volunteers). The next headquarters contest will begin on Memorial Day and run through Labor Day; looks like there will be no indulging in hot dogs and hamburgers for participants this summer.