Published 4 hours ago •
Updated 4 hours ago
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. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.
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.
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Mother of fallen firefighter thanks community during vigil for her son
Pam McLoughlin
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From left, Lorise Brown and Sean W. Hardy participate in a prayer vigil for the recovery of injured New Haven firefighter Lt. Samod “Nuke” Rankins led by Bishop Elijah Davis in front of Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church in New Haven on May 15, 2021.Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Cathy Foster-Mendez, center, mother of New Haven firefighter Ricardo Torres, Jr., speaks to the media following a prayer vigil for injured New Haven firefighter Lt. Samod “Nuke” Rankins in front of Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church in New Haven on May 15, 2021. At left is Torres’ stepfather, Armand Mendez. Ricardo Torres, Jr., died in last week’s fire.Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less