Son of Retired West Hartford Deputy Fire Chief Dies in Ratchet Strap Incident

25-year-old killed when strap snapped during blizzard in Hebron

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The son of a retired deputy fire chief in West Hartford was killed during a blizzard on Monday when a ratchet strap snapped and struck him in the head in Hebron, Connecticut. State troopers responded to a call for medical assistance on Burnt Hill Road where 25-year-old Shane Albert was suffering from injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the dangers of severe weather conditions and the importance of safety precautions, especially when working with heavy equipment and tools. The loss of Shane Albert, who grew up around the local fire department, is deeply felt by the community.

The details

According to Connecticut State Police, Shane Albert was struck in the head by a snapped ratchet strap while on Burnt Hill Road in Hebron during the blizzard. He was transported to a nearby hospital but did not survive his injuries.

  • The incident occurred on Monday during a blizzard.

The players

Shane Albert

The 25-year-old son of a retired West Hartford deputy fire chief who was killed in the ratchet strap incident.

Keith Albert

The retired deputy chief of the West Hartford Fire Department and father of Shane Albert.

West Hartford Fire Fighters Association Local 1241

The union that posted a tribute to Shane Albert on Facebook, describing him as someone whose "kindness, warmth, and passion touched many lives both inside and outside our walls."

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What they’re saying

“Shane grew up around the firehouse, and his kindness, warmth, and passion touched many lives both inside and outside our walls.”

— West Hartford Fire Fighters Association Local 1241 (Facebook)

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of safety precautions, especially during severe weather conditions when working with heavy equipment. The loss of Shane Albert, who was deeply connected to the local fire department community, is a profound loss felt by many.