Wilton Fire Chief Receives Regional Emergency Preparedness Award

WILTON, CT — Wilton Fire Chief and head of emergency preparedness Jim Blanchfield has been honored with the inaugural Lewisboro, N.Y., Regional Emergency Preparedness and Management Award.

The award, presented by the New York State Citizens Preparedness Corps, recognizes Blanchfield’s leadership and service in advancing emergency management across the region. Town officials said his work was especially critical during the historic flood of Aug. 19, 2024, when he oversaw evacuations, coordinated shelter and relief services, and kept residents and business owners informed through recovery.

Blanchfield also directed crews to clear Wilton High School’s football field after the flood, allowing homecoming festivities to proceed as scheduled. Officials said his quick action turned what could have been weeks of delays into just days of cleanup.

Chief Blanchfield "stands as a role model for the first responders under his direction, across the region and the emergency services profession, embodying all the best qualities that this award honors," First Selectman Toni Boucher said in a statement. “He has consistently demonstrated responsiveness, collaboration, and a tireless commitment to the community.”

Blanchfield, who has developed one of the state’s leading Community Emergency Response Teams, was nominated for the award by town staff who cited his "dependability, responsiveness, collaborative problem solving, and tireless worth ethic."