State, Town Officials Mourn Death Of Longtime Newtown Firefighter

NEWTOWN, CT — State and town officials are among the many mourning the death of Botsford Fire Rescue first assistant chief, Peter Joseph Blomberg.

Blomberg, 72, was struck by a vehicle as he crossed Church Hill Road near its intersection with Dayton Street en route to the annual Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners meeting in Sandy Hook on Monday night. He later succumbed to his injuries.

A graduate of St. Rose of Lima Grammar School and Newtown High School, Blomberg later apprenticed as a cabinetmaker and became an accomplished finish carpenter, a trade he continued practicing throughout his life, according to his obituary.

Blomberg 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. He was also a certified Connecticut fire instructor, and served as a certified station evaluator at numerous regional evaluation sites. Later in his career, he took on a maintenance position with the Newtown School System, until his retirement six weeks ago.

"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," the fire company said in an online tribute. "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 will be deeply missed by the Newtown fire community and the wider community at large," First Selectman Jeff Capeci said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this profound loss. Pete was a true treasure to Newtown, leaving an indelible mark on many hearts."

Sen. Tony Hwang, who represents Newtown in Hartford, called the news "devastating."

"Newtown and all of its volunteer fire stations and members mourns this horrible loss. We pray for the Blomberg family and offer condolences to all who serve at Botsford Fire Rescue and all first responders who put their lives at risk to protect our community."

Blomberg is survived by four daughters and a grandson.

The wake for Chief Blomberg will be Sunday, Nov. 3, 2-6 p.m., at Honan Funeral Home. His funeral is planned for Monday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery in Sandy Hook. Catholic interment will be followed by a firematic graveside service.

The procession escort from the church to the cemetery will include Newtown apparatus only.