Local Number: L0834
City, State: Bridgeport, CT

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of two members of IAFF Local 834 – Bridgeport, Connecticut. Lieutenant Steven L. Velasquez, 40, and Fire Fighter Michel Baik, 49, were killed while fighting a residential fire on Saturday, July 24, 2010.

The viewing for Brother Velasquez will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Klein Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06605; (203) 337-6195.

The viewing for Brother Baik will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, Connecticut 06611; (203) 373-1013.

The funeral service for Brother Velasquez will be held on Friday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604, (203) 368-6777.

The funeral service for Brother Baik will be held on Friday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 5458 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604, (203) 372-9767.

A Collation honoring both our Brothers will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010 at the conclusion of the services at the Arena at Harbor Yard, 600 Main Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Local 834 and the Bridgeport Fire Department have established a fund to support the families of the two fallen fire fighters. Donations to the “Bridgeport Fallen Firefighters Fund” can be made through the Bridgeport Fire Department Employees Federal Credit Union at 3115 Madison Ave., Bridgeport CT 06606, Attn: Bridgeport Fallen Firefighters Fund. The credit union can be reached at (203) 374-8120 or 1-800-242-8120.

Other expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 834 at 30 Congress Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or emailed to bfdlocal834@aol.com.