Former Sandy Hook fire chief dies

NEWTOWN — The Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. had just received its first pumper truck in the early 1940s when Michael Lucas joined the department.

Lucas, who went on to become fire chief, served as a member of the department for more than 60 years. He died Friday at the age of 92.

And while the former chief hadn’t been fighting fires in recent years, he was still an active member of the ranks.

“He was the kind of guy who never really retired,” said Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead. “Even in his later years, he would often stop by the firehouse to help out, particularly during the annual Lobster Fest and other fund-raising events.”

Lucas started volunteering with the department in 1946, shortly after returning from service with the U.S. Army during World War II, where he fought in both Germany and France, including as an infantryman in the heroic Battle of the Bulge.

The battle was a major turning point in the war and resulted in the most casualties for American forces.

“He never really liked to talk about his time during the war, but he was always very proud of his service to his country,” said Susan Petty, his daughter. “He always wanted to do what he could to help people.”

It was that same characteristic that led to decades of service in the local fire department for Lucas, who served as assistant chief for more than 15 years before becoming chief of the department in August 1975.

It was during his tenure as chief that the town completed construction of second firehouse for the company that is located on Riverside Road.

He was also on scene in 1967 when the department battled the Sandy Hook Center fire, which destroyed several buildings.

Dozens of firefighters including Lucas toiled for more than four hours to put out the blaze in subzero temperatures. It was also the first time the department had used a ladder truck.

And while the department may have a lot more equipment today, fire officials said the halls felt a little more empty this week with Lucas’ passing.

“He may have been in his

90s, but he still came to the firehouse whenever he could,” Halstead said. “If he couldn’t make it, we’d always try to find someone to pick him up. He was part of the family.”

Petty said her father’s service with the department was always very important to him, and other members of the family understood. Even if that meant running out to the scene of a fire during important family functions.

“I can remember the tones going off on the scanner during holidays or sometimes during birthday parties,” Petty said. “He was very dedicated to the fire service and would always go to the call when he could. And we all understood how proud and dedicated he was.”

Besides his service with the fire department, Lucas was active later in life with the Knights of Columbus, and had worked for decades as a driver both for the State of Connecticut and for the former Fairfield Hills Hospital.

He also served as a member of the Fire Department at Fairfield Hills during his time there.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery will be at a later time.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown from

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT

06067 www.alz.org. In memory of his wife Josephine Lucas.

“He may have been in his 90s but he still came to the firehouse whenever he could.” Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead