It is with deep sadness that Botsford Fire Rescue announces the passing of our long-time 1st Assistant Fire Chief Peter Joseph Blomberg. Chief Blomberg was en route to the annual Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners meeting in Sandy Hook when he was tragically struck by a vehicle and succumbed to his injuries.

Pete was a lifelong resident of Botsford, graduating from St. Rose of Lima Grammar School and Newtown High School. He apprenticed as a cabinet maker and became an accomplished finish carpenter, a trade he continued practicing throughout his life. Later in his career, he assumed a maintenance position with the Newtown School System, until his retirement a short six weeks ago.

Pete kept the community of Newtown foremost in his thoughts throughout his life, second only to his devoted and loving family, friends, and colleagues. He never said no when there was a call for help – whether it came in the line of duty, or a stranger in need of a helping hand.

He was a beloved father to Lindsey, Lauren, Sara, and Jillian, a devoted grandfather to Everett – the apple of his grandfather’s eye, and was a cherished friend, colleague, and brother firefighter to countless others.

Pete began his career over a half-century ago with the Hawleyville Fire Company, and then at the United Fire Company of Botsford (now, Botsford Fire Rescue), where he rose through the ranks to become First Assistant Chief.

Pete was also a certified State Fire Instructor, participating in many of the regional Firefighter 1 and 2 classes, and served as a certified Station Evaluator at numerous regional evaluation sites. He had a reputation of being very fair when interacting with students who enjoyed the privilege of his instruction and subsequent evaluations.

Until very recently, Pete was among the first responders at fire scenes to strap on an air pack and head into burning buildings. He had a spectacular record of responding to nearly all the calls for service Botsford Fire & Rescue received and was often among those first on the scene at calls in other districts.

Having worked at Newtown Middle School, he was always stationed in a central location permitting him to be available for many calls throughout the community. Even up to a few hours before his death, Pete had responded to two fire calls, including one in Sandy Hook. Pete was a great storyteller, a lover of rock music – having worked concert security for years – a Harley Davidson enthusiast, and he was a devoted friend of Bill W for many decades.

The Botsford Fire & Rescue members want to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the Newtown Police, Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the members of Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue, Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Co., Dodgingtown Fire Dept, Newtown Hook & Ladder, Bethel EMS, the regional paramedic, Danbury Hospital Emergency Department, and the Connecticut State Police for the roles they played in their response and support.

His family and friends request privacy at this time. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days

Our thoughts are with the the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Fire Department as we mourn the tragic loss of Firefighter Robert “Sharkey” Sharkevich, Sr. (ret. HFD).

Wethersfield Firefighter Sharkevich died in the line of duty conducting mutual aid in Berlin, part of the multi-town response to the Lamentation Mountain brush fire.

The attached Annual Report of the Officers of the Connecticut State Firefighter’s Association was adopted at the 141st Annual Convention, September 21, 2024.

Washington Ambulance is offering an Initial EMT Course, Tuesday / Thursday evenings, and Saturdays, July 30 – Nov. 7, 2024.

Contact Washington Ambulance: info@washingtonambulance.org, (860) 868-7913.

Click here to download the Flyer for more information.

Volunteer first responders lead busy lives, which can make it difficult to pursue personal goals such as higher education. However, with online education becoming more readily available, emergency services personnel are finding it easier to achieve their learning goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

To help more responders further their education with the benefits of online learning, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have partnered for the 16th year to provide scholarships to two NVFC members. Each recipient will be awarded a scholarship that will cover up to 60 credit hours towards any one CSU degree program of their choice.

Scholarship recipients will be able to select from CSU’s wide range of degree programs, including fire science, fire administration, emergency medical services, emergency management, occupational safety and health, organizational leadership, and many more. Scholarship recipients may pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. CSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

To be eligible, applicants must be a member of the NVFC and be an active volunteer responder. View full criteria here. If you are not an NVFC member, join for just $21 here.

The deadline to apply is August 18. An NVFC scholarship committee will select the winners, and recipients will be announced in October 2024.

https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/tuition-financing/scholarships/safety-and-emergency-services/national-volunteer-fire-council-scholarships