NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (WTNH) – Nearly two centuries of firefighting history were honored in New Haven Sunday morning as the Firemen's Benevolent Association of New Haven (FBANH) celebrated its 175th anniversary.

Founded in 1849, 13 years before the New Haven Fire Department, FBANH is a nonprofit organization that supports firefighters and their families in times of need. For families in need, FBANH provides emergency assistance, injury benefits, funeral arrangements, and more.

“We spend a third of our lives in this service. If you take this job seriously, sometimes you spend half your life in this service,” said New Haven Fire Chief John Alston. “And your family needs to know that they are not alone. They need to know that you are part of something bigger.”

Mayor Elicker met with FBANH members and supporters at Evergreen Cemetery, where FBANH owns and maintains the firefighters' memorial. The memorial was rededicated in honor of the anniversary.

Mayor Elicker said of the memorial, “This place is a very special place in Elm City. It is a sacred place for the firefighters of New Haven and their families. Here rest the bravest men of New Haven.”

All past and present members of the New Haven Fire Department are entitled to burial at the Firemen's Monument. To date, 35 firefighters have been buried there, including two former chiefs and several firefighters who died in the line of duty.

The FBANH is funded by regular contributions from firefighters and generous donations from the public. If you would like to contribute to the FBANH, you can find out how here.