Ken Mitchell Obituary & Cause of Death: The Orange Volunteer Fire Department has announced the passing of one of its most dedicated members, Kenneth Mitchell, at the age of 71.
A Legacy of Service and Dedication
Kenneth Mitchell, a former captain of the department, passed away on Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency while driving on Route 1 in Orange. Recently, he had been honored for his remarkable 50 years of service to the department.
“Kenny was a firefighter’s firefighter,” said the fire chief. “He remained actively involved in the Orange department and also served with the departments in Ansonia and Derby. He contributed significantly to various organizations that train firefighters and develop practices that have elevated Connecticut’s fire departments to a high standard. His loss will be felt both professionally and personally.”
A Distinguished Career
Mitchell, a second-generation firefighter, joined the Orange Volunteer Fire Department on October 11, 1973, and rose to the rank of captain. He chaired the Carnival Committee, served as a training officer, and was a member of the apparatus specification committee, which helped introduce the department’s first ladder truck in 1996. He also served as a past captain of the Webster Hose, Hook, and Ladder Company #3 of Ansonia and a past chief driver for the Paugassett Hook and Ladder Company #4 in Derby.
Leadership and Mentorship
Kenneth Mitchell was the current president of the Valley Fire Chiefs Association, chair of the Fire School Board of Directors, past vice president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, and a longtime member of the New Haven County Chiefs Association. He was instrumental in modernizing fire training in Orange and the Lower Naugatuck Valley. He helped create rules that allowed Orange to maintain a full roster of volunteers by including some out-of-town firefighters and contributed to other innovations that kept the Orange department in peak readiness. He was also known as a mentor to younger firefighters.
Community Involvement
Beyond his service to the fire department, Mitchell was an active member of the Orange community. He served as a supernumerary police officer and a school bus driver and was involved in several local service organizations. His commitment to his community was evident in every role he undertook, and his impact was felt by many.
Remembering Kenneth Mitchell
Kenneth Mitchell is survived by his wife, Kim; his son, Kenneth III; his daughter, Kara; and his mother, Jean. He also leaves behind several grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Past Orange Fire Chief Ken Mitchell Sr. The community of Orange and the fire service community at large mourn the loss of a man whose life was dedicated to the service of others.
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Kenneth Mitchell’s legacy of service, dedication, and community involvement will continue to inspire future generations of firefighters and community members. His contributions and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the fire departments and the communities he served so faithfully.
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