July 23, 2024

Newtown Officials Celebrate Bridge Naming in Newtown as the “Chief William T. Halstead Memorial Bridge”

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SANDY HOOK- State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), Martin Foncello (R-107) and State Senator Tony Hwang along with the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Halstead family held a ceremony to name the Exit 10 bridge, carrying Church Hill Rd over I-84 E/W in honor of former Chief William Halstead.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue (SHVFR) Chief Anthony Capozziello introduced Rep. Bolinsky, who gave an overview of why the state renamed this bridge in honor of former Chief William Halstead. Both Senator Tony Hwang and Rep. Foncello delivered brief remarks to honor former Chief Halstead.

Rep. Bolinsky thanked Chief Cappozziello and the SHVFR Auxiliary for hosting this gathering of friends, family, fellow firefighters, saying “Today we honor and remember Bill Halstead, our “Chief”, a lifelong resident of Sandy Hook, member of SHVFR for over 57 years. Bill carried–on the legacy of his family, including his mother, father, brother, and numerous aunts and uncles, joining the department in January 1965, at 16. He served continuously as chief of the department for 44 years after being elected to the position in 1978, also having worked for the State of Connecticut at Fairfield Hills Hospital in Newtown for 25 years. He was the chief of the hospital’s fire department until his retirement in 1997. He also served as Newtown’s Emergency Management Director for 23 years, Deputy Fire Marshal for the Town of Newtown from 1983 to 2001 and became the full-time Marshal in 2001.

“To say he was respected and loved is evidenced by the incredible turnout of friends, family, fellow firefighters and admirers. Thank you all for being here today, as we dedicate The Chief William T. Halstead Memorial Bridge. Formerly known only as DOT Bridge 505, you know it as the connection point of Newtown & Sandy Hook, carrying Church Hill Rd over I-84. That connection is symbolic of Bill, and his love for our community.”

Bolinsky then invited Halstead’s widow, Debbie Aurelia Halstead, Newtown’s elected Town Clerk, thanked Bolinsky for introducing the proposal. She was followed by their daughter, Karin, who is SHVFR’s EMS Captain. First Selectman Jeff Capeci and Police Chief David Kullgren offered their thoughts about Halstead. Newtown’s Poet Laureate read an ode she wrote about Halstead, his daughter, and SHVFR.

“Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this special dedication. You have a real community here and I know that’s in large part to the sense of tradition instilled by Chief Halstead over his many years of service,” said Rep. Foncello. “I didn’t know him personally, but by talking with some of you I can feel his love and dedication to the town in you. So again, thank you for inviting me and thank you for your service.”

A replica sign was unveiled during the ceremony and presented to Debbie Halstead. She noted that the Chief crossed the bridge now bearing his name every day on his way to the firehouse, to and from calls to Dunkin for tea, and to the Fairfield Hills Campus.

After responding to a call on July 8, 2022, Chief William Halstead returned to his home and became ill. He passed shortly after the incident, despite efforts of SHVFR personnel, police, and paramedics.