The assistant chief of the Botsford Fire Department in Newtown has died after he was struck while crossing the street on Monday night. Those who knew him are remembering him as a wonderful man who loved the fire department, his town and his country.
Police said 72-year-old Peter Blomberg, of Newtown, was crossing Route 6, also known as Church Hill Road, near Dayton Street, around 6:15 p.m. when a pickup struck him.
Blomberg was taken to the hospital and later died, according to police.
He was on his way to the annual Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners meeting in Sandy Hook when he was struck, according to Bill McAllister, the former assistant chief for Botsford Fire Rescue, and he had responded to two fire calls the day of his death.
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“We ask for your thoughts and prayers and appreciate the outpouring of support thus far. We offer both our sincerest condolences and gratitude to the Blomberg family in this tragic time," Botsford Fire Rescue wrote on Facebook.
Botsford Fire Rescue said Blomberg was a lifelong resident of Newtown. He graduated from St. Rose of Lima Grammar School and Newtown High School.
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"Pete kept the community of Newtown foremost his thoughts throughout his life, second only to his devoted and loving family, friends and colleagues. He never said no where there was a call for help - whether it came in the line of duty, or a stranger in need of a helping hand," Botsford Fire Rescue said in a statement.
McAllister said Blomberg apprenticed as a cabinetmaker and became an accomplished finish carpenter.
He held a maintenance position at Newtown Middle School until retiring six weeks ago, McAllister said, and he will be remembered as a great storyteller, a lover of rock music and a Harley-Davidson enthusiast.
Blomberg had four children - Lindsey, Lauren, Sara and Jillian - and a grandchild named Everett.
Fire officials said Blomberg started his career over half a century ago with the Hawleyville Fire Company. He was a certified state fire instructor, participating in many of the regional Firefighter 1 and 2 classes.
"Blomberg had a reputation of being very fair when interacting with students who enjoyed the privilege of his instruction and subsequent evaluations," Botsford Fire Rescue said.
"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 and Rescue receibed and was often among those first on the scene at calls in other districts," the statement continues.
Buddy Holland was a friend and neighbor of Blomberg for more than 60 years.
"The man was just wonderful," Holland said.
He said he's in shock that his friend has died.
"It's just such - I'm at a loss that Peter is gone," Holland said.
Blomberg is being remembered as a man who loved serving his community.
"He loved this town, he loved his country, oh, he loved his fire department," Holland said.
Blomberg was the first responder at the scene the night Holland's father had a heart attack. Holland said Blomberg did everything he could to save him and the family will never forget the words and kindness he shared with the family that tragic night.
“It was Peter who turned the corner and told my mother and sister there was nothing that they could do - nothing more. My father was gone,” Holland said. “Just the way he presented that to my sister and my mother, you know, we'll never forget."
When Holland met him for coffee just last month, Blomberg commented about how dangerous the area is, that people walk out in front of cars and that people are on their cell phones.
"It was just ironic that that was part of our conversation," Holland said.
People at businesses just feet away from the scene of the crash said drivers go very fast in the area.
Police said the driver who struck Blomberg remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
