Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025.
Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026 Operational Excellence Award, or OPEX, during a ceremony June 11 at the Groton firehouse.
“This should be a reminder that our firefighters do not just run into danger, they bring order, safety and hope to people on the worst nights of their lives,” said William Greenwood, EB’s manager of fire and emergency preparedness, who recounted the men’s heroics.
The first call came on a Saturday night in July: A fire in a large apartment complex on Union Street in New London. When the crew of EB fire engine D-12 arrived, firefighters including Gugliotti and Keaten were assigned to the third floor to search for victims. As they climbed the stairs through dense, acrid smoke, a panicked mother holding a baby fled past down the stairs.
Seconds later, a loud thud echoed through the smoky stairwell, followed by a desperate cry for help. The mother had fallen and the baby had struck its head against the wall. Gugliotti gathered the baby while Keaten got the mother back on her feet and guided her to safety. Both mother and baby were transported safely to L&M Hospital.
The second call came in October, just as the crew was preparing dinner before the end of their day shift. This time, a multi-family apartment on Broad Street Extension in Groton was burning and there were reports of people trapped inside. Upon arrival, the EB fire engine crew of D-12 were met with heavy smoke pouring from the building and an elderly woman clinging desperately to a third-floor balcony.
As the crew worked to free the woman, the balcony’s railing collapsed, pinning Bartkoski’s hand against the rescue ladder. The crew synchronized, freed Bartkoski and managed to bring the woman down the ladder to safety. Almost immediately they spotted a different couple trapped on an upper balcony on the opposite side of building. Gugliotti and Brady grabbed a ladder and safely evacuated both.
Ten cats and a dog were also rescued from the smoke and fire.
During Thursday’s ceremony, EB Director of Security David Konicki told the gathered firefighters that their work was deeply valued by Electric Boat and its leadership. He said they’ll soon see significant additional investments in personnel, equipment and training.
EB Fire Chief Mark Sicuso said the department’s men and women reflect a culture of competence, compassion and commitment — to each other and the community. “They don’t ask for applause,” he said.
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
EB’s Groton Shipyard Celebrates 100 Years of Submarine Construction
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
During his remarks at the Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit held on July 15 at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, President Donald Trump introduced attendee Danny Deep, president of General Dynamics. In his quick words to Danny, President Trump recognized General Dynamics for building “the greatest submarines in the world.” Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
In this episode of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Matt Olander, senior vice president of programs and engineering, about his personal career journey and recent return to UConn’s College of Engineering as an honorary degree recipient and 2026 commencement speaker. Watch Matt’s commencement speech on the UConn College of Engineering YouTube channel.Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
