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.
One Week Left—Let’s Claim the Torch! AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk: Final Countdown
We are just one week away from the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3, 2026, at UConn Avery Point and this is our moment to finish strong. We’ve built incredible momentum, and now we’re within striking distance of something big. Right now, Electric Boat is holding second place, behind Mohegan Sun by...Continue reading→
803 Section 2B/5 Transported from Quonset Point to Groton
PCU Arizona’s (SSGN 803) Section 2B/5 was successfully delivered to Groton from Quonset Point. At 184 feet in length, this section – which includes the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) – is the largest Virginia-class shipment ever transported. Arizona, the first submarine to incorporate VPM, will be about 460 feet long upon final construction. Section 2B/5...Continue reading→
Remembering September 11
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of downtown Manhattan’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., were targeted in a series of coordinated attacks that would leave an everlasting imprint on our country’s psyche. As the events unfolded on that Tuesday morning, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, over 600 were injured...Continue reading→
EBECSA Celebrates 75 Years — Nominate EB Employees Past and Present for Recognition
This year, the Electric Boat Employees’ Community Services Association (EBECSA) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. EBECSA was founded in 1951 by EB employees who wanted to create a dedicated, organized way to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in the communities where we live and work. What began as a small employee‑driven effort has...Continue reading→
Atlas Plaque Unveiled, Honoring Plank Owners at South Yard Ceremony
Employees who have worked on Atlas, EB’s new state-of-the-art floating dry dock, gathered in the South Yard on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to unveil a new bronze plaque recognizing the contributions of its plank owners. The event celebrated the teams who helped bring Atlas from Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to its arrival in Groton earlier this year. Atlas will play...Continue reading→
Neighbors Meet with EB to Discuss Noise, Lighting and Other Quality of Life Topics
Nearly twenty neighbors of Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard joined company leaders Aug. 25 for a community conversation focused on their quality‑of‑life concerns related to the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) and Atlas, the new floating dry dock. The Mayor of the City of Groton, Jill Rusk, also attended. Residents said they appreciated the chance to talk...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 26: Waterford Campus Groundbreaking
EB President Mark Rayha reports from the groundbreaking of the new Waterford Campus, where innovation, engineering and workforce development will come together to support our mission. The new facility will help train hundreds of shipbuilders daily as EB continues to grow for future production demands.
Waterford Campus Groundbreaking Marks EB’s Next Step in Innovation and Workforce Growth
Electric Boat officially broke ground Friday on the Waterford Campus, launching the transformation of the former Crystal Mall into a center for innovation, engineering and high‑tech workforce development. EB President Mark Rayha underscored how the project will reshape the way the company designs, tests and builds submarines. Innovation is the key, he said. “There’s an opportunity to...Continue reading→
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→
