Firefighter kills self at UConn Avery Point

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- A man who shot and killed himself on UConn's Avery Point Campus Tuesday was a Groton firefighter and business owner.

The campus was shut down late Monday night and police from UConn along with police from both the city and town of Groton, Stonington and Ledyard were called to campus.

Police say the man, later identified 30-year-old Timothy Devine, was in a remote location under a dock. Police say at one point Devine pointed his gun at officers.

According to the Groton Patch , Devine was a firefighter in the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District and the owner of CrossFit Groton who recently helped raise more than $2,000 for Autism Speaks.

Police used what is called less than lethal force against Devine after he was repeatedly asked to drop his gun.

Around 3:50 a.m. Devine cut off communication with police and shot himself.

"It was very dangerous situation for everyone involved," said Lt. J Paul Vance. "Our intent at all times was to peacefully disarm the individual and get him the help he needed. Again, to no success."

A UConn spokesperson confirms there was a children's Oceanography camp going on on campus at the time but it was in a different part of campus and parents were given the option of picking up their children.

Devine appears to have no direct connection to the university.

"Do you feel confident about the security here as you go to work," News 8's Erin Cox asked April Trout.

"I feel like it could probably be better, but it's not the worst," she replied. "We have the police officers here and they do a good job. Some things you just can't prevent I guess."

The administration offices and classroom buildings were reopened around 8:30 a.m. but the shoreline portion of campus stayed closed to allow detectives time to process the scene. The entire campus has since reopened.

Police say there is no criminal aspect to Devine's death. The incident remains under investigation.

A post mortem examination will be conducted to determine the manner and cause of death.

The Poquonnock Bridge Frie Department released the following statement concerning Devine's death:

It is with deep regret that the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department announces that Firefighter Timothy Devine, 30, died unexpectedly while off-duty early this morning. Firefighter Devine was a dedicated firefighter with an exemplary record who took great pride in serving the community. He was employed by the department for the past 4 years.

The Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department is deeply saddened by the sudden loss and is extending their support to his family at this extremely difficult time.