Kensington volunteer fire captain seeks life-saving kidney donation

A volunteer fire captain in Berlin is asking for the community’s help as he waits for a life-saving kidney transplant.

Captain Donald “DJ” Pavasaris of Kensington Fire Rescue was diagnosed with kidney disease about a year and a half ago. While he continues serving in an administrative role, Pavasaris said the only way he can return to active firefighting is by receiving a kidney transplant.

Pavasaris has spent more than a decade serving his community and now helps oversee training for Kensington Fire Rescue, helping prepare firefighters for emergency calls.

Lt. Patrick Buckley said Pavasaris is respected throughout the department.

“He’s very good at what he does. He’s involved with training, especially now as captain and all around, he’s a good guy,” he said.

Pavasaris said receiving the diagnosis was overwhelming as a man in his 40s.

“Nobody at my age really goes through this, so I felt extremely alone and not really knowing where to go and what to know about,” he said.

After his diagnosis, Pavasaris underwent dialysis while continuing to stay physically fit enough to perform his duties as a firefighter. He later stepped away from active firefighting and transitioned into an administrative role.

“It’s a lot of work. A lot of work that’s not seen or talked about, but there’s a lot going on, just to do anything really,” he said.

Doctors told Pavasaris it could take between five and seven years to receive a kidney from a deceased donor. His fellow firefighters hope to shorten that wait by finding a living donor and have launched a social media campaign to raise awareness.

Buckley said a living donor could significantly reduce the wait.

“A living donor can cut that down to months; that’s kind of what we’re trying to raise awareness about,” he said.

Pavasaris’ colleagues say they want to see him return to the work he loves, serving the community. In 2023, Pavasaris was one of three Kensington firefighters who jumped into the Thames River while off duty to help save the life of a boater.

Buckley said the department hopes the community will help spread the word.

“We want to get it out there. Share it as much as possible,” he said.

Pavasaris said he remains hopeful that someone in the community will be a match.

“If everything goes good, I will be soon. Time will tell,” he said.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in being a donor, please call 860-696-2021 or go to Hartford Hospital’s website.

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