HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, November 4, 2024, in honor of Botsford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Pete Blomberg, who died in the line of duty. A funeral service in First Assistant Chief Blomberg’s honor is scheduled to be held on Monday at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown.

“First Assistant Chief Pete Blomberg dedicated his career to fire prevention and the safety of our communities, and his line of duty death is an awful tragedy,” Governor Lamont said. “My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends, his fellow firefighters who serve with Botsford Fire Rescue, the entire Newtown community, and all first responders who selflessly serve the public.”

“Our state mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and beloved community hero who never failed to do whatever he could to help,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Botsford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Pete Blomberg devoted more than 50 years of his life to protecting and serving the community he loved so much. My heart breaks that his life was taken as he made his way to the annual Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners meeting. This is yet another tragic reminder that we must do more to take care of each other and to ensure that we all make it home safely. We must all strive to be safer drivers – go slower and be much more cautious. My thoughts are with Assistant Chief Blomberg’s loved ones and the Newtown firefighting community during this incredibly difficult time.”

In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.