Tolland fire Capt. Dennis Carlson remembered for his role in the community

Jamila Young, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·1 min read

May 16—TOLLAND — The Tolland Fire Department and community are mourning the unexpected loss of Capt. Dennis Carlson, whose death was announced Sunday.

Carlson had been with the department for 34 years, Tolland fire officials said. He started as a volunteer before becoming a full-time public safety officer and eventually moving up the ranks to captain.

In addition to his role as captain, fire officials said Carlson also was an emergency medical technician and rescue dive team scuba diver and taught local students about fire prevention and basic aid training.

"His loss leaves a tremendous hole in our organization's heart," Tolland fire officials said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

"We are stunned with the loss of Captain Carlson on so many levels," Town Manager Brian Foley said. "He gave so much to our community and saved so many lives."

Foley said that although the fire department is feeling the loss, Fire Chief John Littell and Assistant Chief Carl Dojan are continuing to provide safety services to the town, along with mutual aid staff.

"This is a devastating loss for the community," said Rep. Tammy Nuccio, R-Tolland, who is also a member of the Tolland Town Council. "Captain Dennis Carlson dedicated himself to keeping our residents safe each day and was a pillar of the Tolland Fire Department."

Fire officials from area towns offered their condolences as well, including Somers, who called Carlson "a true icon and a fixture within their ranks."

Jamila covers Coventry and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer.