Church Hill Road Overpass Renamed To Honor Chief Halstead
Local and state officials joined Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company (SHVFR) and members of the late Chief Bill Halstead’s family on July 20 to dedicate a local bridge in honor of our late fire chief.
Chief Halstead died unexpectedly on July 8, 2022. He was 73. A lifelong resident of Sandy Hook, he had been a member of SHVFR for over 57 years, carrying on the legacy of his family members, including his mother, father, brother, and numerous aunts and uncles. He joined the department in January 1965 when he turned 16. He had served continuously as chief of the department for 44 years after being elected to the position in 1978.
Chief Halstead had also 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 Deputy Fire Marshal for the Town of Newtown from 1983 to 2001, and became the full-time Marshal in 2001 until he retired from that position in 2016. He also served as Newtown’s Emergency Management Director for 23 years.
On July 20, Bridge No 00505, which carries State Route 6/Church Hill Road over I-84, was formally renamed The Chief William T. Halstead Memorial Bridge. A pair of signs have been installed on Church Hill Road, one in each direction, announcing the new name.
State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello, State Senator Tony Hwang, Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci and Newtown Poet Laureate Lauren Cross all spoke during Saturday’s event.
SHVFR EMS Captain Karin Halstead spoke for the fire company; Deb Halstead, Chief’s widow, also spoke.
Approximately 150 guests joined the fire company and its Ladies Auxiliary for the ceremony. Many remained after the presentation to enjoy light refreshments and share memories and socialize.
