A show of support through fashion choice

Firefighters keep deployed members close by donning green t-shirts

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Fire Department has had several members deployed overseas over the years. Firefighter Alex Deering is deployed overseas with the Air National Guard, serving at Al Dhafra Air Base in U.A.E. His deployment is scheduled to last at least 6 months.

Assitant Chief Robert Shopey and Battailion Chief Thomas Sterling, who have both been previously deployed, wanted to find a way to support Deering during his deployment.

Members of the Torrington Fire Department are wearing green T-shirts on Fridays to show their support as they go about their day. The shirts were purchased by the Torrington Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1567. Participating members purchased the shirts themselves, and the extra proceeds are being used to send care packages to Deering during his deployment.

To show her own support, Mayor Elinor Carbone has expanded this effort to include city employees.

On a day Deering was scheduled to work at the firehouse, the firefighters on duty wore the T-shirts for the first time. , and it is fitting that we are debuting the shirts with his shift. A picture of his shift wearing the tee shirts will be included in the next care package.

“As we approach Veteran’s Day, it is great to see the employees coming together to support our military,” said Chief Peter Towey. “We ask that as you see the green shirts, you keep Firefighter Deering and his family in your thoughts.”

Peter Towey / Contributed photo In a show of support to fellow members serving in the armed forces, the Torrington Fire Department are wearing specially made T-shirts on Fridays.