New Haven

Prayer Vigil Held For New Haven Firefighter Recovering From Injuries After House Fire

NBC Connecticut

A prayer vigil was held Saturday afternoon for a New Haven firefighter recovering in the hospital following a fatal fire earlier this week.

Family, friends and neighbors all came together at Pitts Chapel Church to wish Lt. Samod Rankins a speedy recovery.

Stream Connecticut News for free, 24/7, wherever you are.

Watch button  WATCH HERE

He, as well as firefighter Ricardo Torres Jr., were trapped in a house fire on Valley Street on Wednesday. Torres died from his injuries while Rankins suffered critical injuries.

Rankins, who was found unconscious in the house and was rushed to Bridgeport Hospital's burn unit, was upgraded from critical to fair condition Friday.

Get top local Connecticut stories delivered to you every morning with the News Headlines newsletter.

Newsletter button  SIGN UP

"It's heartwarming to know that the community appreciates what you do for them, everybody showing up today and coming out, it's just very rewarding to know that it's not in vain," said Joe J. Davis, Rankins' great uncle.

There's still no word on what caused the fire.

Contact Us