NEWTOWN, Conn. — The assistant fire chief of Newtown's Botsford Fire Rescue is dead after he was hit by a pickup truck Monday evening, according to the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association.
The crash happened around 6:15 p.m. near the intersection of Church Hill Road and Dayton Street. Newtown police, ambulance, and the Sandy Hook Fire Department were all called to the scene.
Officials said Peter Blomberg, 72, was rushed to Danbury Hospital for his injuries, where he later pronounced dead.
The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association said on Facebook that Blomberg was crossing the street to attend a fire commission meeting.
The crash happened on the same day the state was burying Wethersfield Fire Captain Robert Sharkevich Sr., who died in a utility vehicle rollover crash while battling the Hawthorne fire on Lamentation Mount in Berlin on Oct. 22.
The parallels between the lives of Sharkevich and Blomberg are uncanny. Just like Sharkevich, Blomberg was a volunteer firefighter. He was also a father, a grandfather, carpenter and custodian for the school system.
The Botsford Fire Company was draped in black bunting Tuesday.
“It’s a close knit bunch of guys,” said Wayne Ciaccia, a retired Botsford Fire Chief.
A big American flag was unfurled across Interstate 84 in Southbury as Blomberg’s body was escorted home.
“He was just an all around great guy,” said retired Botsford firefighter Jeff Dugan.
Bouquets of flowers adorned the hood of Blomberg’s truck and his lonely turnout gear symbolized the big shoes left to fill.
“He was probably one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met,” Ciacca said. “He would do anything for you. He was always at the firehouse taking part in training or fundraising.”
Based on a preliminary investigation, Newtown police said a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was traveling east on Church Hill Road and hit Blomberg, who was crossing Church Hill Road toward the westbound shoulder. Police said the driver of the truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Det. Chelsea Harold at 203-426-5841.
Dugan noted that Blomberg was "a dedicated fireman."
“He was a dedicated father. He raised four daughters by himself. He just became a grandfather, which is devastating," Dugan said.
When Blomberg wasn’t responding to emergencies, he was spending time with his daughters, his new grandson Everett, riding his motorcycle or working security at local concert venues.
“Over the years he was a carpenter, a handyman. He did construction and was just well liked,” Dugan said.
Blomberg's service to Newtown extended beyond the fire department. He was a custodian at Newtown Middle School.
“I think his last day was Sept. 20. He was pretty excited about that. Always talking about going down to Florida,” Ciaccia recalled.
The Botsford Fire Department released a statement saying in part, “Even up to a few hours before his death, Pete had responded to two fire calls…”
The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association said in a statement, "It's unimaginable to comprehend that less than 8 hours of laying FF Sharkevich to rest, the CT Fire Service has suffered another tragic loss," the association said, referencing the funeral of Wethersfield volunteer firefighter Robert Sharkevich, Sr.
The Jewett City Fire Department also expressed condolences on Blomberg's death, saying on Facebook:
Jewett City Fire Department sending condolences to the family and members of the Botsford Rescue Rescue, Newton, CT on the loss of Asst Chief Peter Blomberg. The second loss of the fire community this month. Asst Chief Blomberg was struck by a car last night while crossing the street.
Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-5) said in a statement, "Today, my prayers are with Botsford Fire Rescue and the family of Assistant Fire Chief Peter Blomberg during this difficult time. It takes honor, courage and dedication to volunteer to protect your community. For that, Assistant Chief Blomberg will always be remembered by his neighbors in Newtown and beyond."
Tragically, Blomberg’s death isn’t the only loss that the Newtown Fire Department experienced this week. The Hawleyville Fire Company is also saying goodbye to longtime senior firefighter Bill Brunetti, who recently passed away.
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