Governor Ned Lamont last week directed US and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, November 4, in honor of Botsford Fire Rescue First Assistant Chief Pete Blomberg, who died October 28 after being hit by a vehicle. Blomberg’s funeral Mass was November 4.

Newtown Lions Club, Newtown Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue were already planning to do the annual summer-to-winter flag changeover on Saturday, November 2. When the lowering of the flags was announced by the governor, the fire companies decided to take advantage of the timing.

On Saturday morning, members of Newtown Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue were joined by Botsford Fire Rescue Chief Andrew White.

The firefighters were also joined by members of Newtown Lions Club, who regularly assist on the changing of the flag.

The 20- by 30-foot summer flag was lowered first. One group was already on the ground, ready to catch the flag before it touched the ground. They quickly moved to the sidewalk in front of Newtown Meeting House, where they gathered the flag for storage.

Meanwhile, an 18- by 24-foot winter flag was raised to the top of the 100-foot-tall pole. With assistance from Hook & Ladder Firefighter Rachael Warburton, Chief White then lowered the flag to half-staff.

The flag remained lowered all weekend. Firefighters raised the flag to full staff Tuesday morning.

In announcing the order, Lamont last week noted Blomberg “dedicated his career to fire prevention and the safety of our communities, and his line of duty death is an awful tragedy. 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.”

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.