The longtime fire chief of the Sandy Hook (CT) Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company died after falling ill following a response to an emergency call,according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
On Friday, July 8, 2022, Chief William “Bill” Halstead, Sr., 73, responded to a motor vehicle accident and an automatic alarm. Upon his arrival at his residence after the incidents, Chief Halstead became ill. Despite the efforts of EMS responders, Chief Halstead passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Chief Halstead had been chief since 1978 after joining the department in 1965 at the age of 16, and was also was director of emergency management and fire marshal for Newtown. He was named the Connecticut Firefighter of the Year in 2019, and was elected president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association in 2020.
