Beloved Simsbury Firefighter Mourned

SIMSBURY, CT — The local fire department is mourning the passing of one of their own this week.

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Co. reported this week that veteran firefighter and past lieutenant in the department, Christopher Burkett, has died.

The SVFC posted news of his death on its website and its Facebook page on Wednesday.

A member of the department for 16 years, the SVFC said he "honorably served the Town of Simsbury as a member of our organization."

"Our sincere condolences go out to the Burkett family and extended family during this difficult time," wrote the SVFC.

Fire officials said Burkett is a former lieutenant and had been assigned to the Main Station and the West Simsbury Station of the SVFC.

Burkett was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and "served our country with honor and distinction," wrote the SVFC.