by Christopher Annino
On July 7th, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department (PBFD) firefighter and acting Captain Todd Williamson lost his fight with cancer.
It is said by many of his close friends that he always wanted to help people. At the age of 15 he became a Firefighter/EMT for North Stonington Volunteer Ambulance Association. After graduating Wheeler High School in 1998 he became a full-time employee with the Groton Ambulance Association. Todd kept advancing with his training and added to his experience at numerous other departments such as North Stonington Volunteer Fire Department, Mohegan Tribal Fire Department, and Town of Preston Fire and Emergency Services. He also graduated from Three Rivers Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science and Technology.
Todd was a key factor in improving the local public education fire safety programs. These programs provided insight and education in fire safety for all schools, day cares, and senior centers in the Groton District. In addition, he also taught CPR to the town of Preston, making them a more heart safe community.
“He was well-loved by the kids. They always called him Fireman Todd. He took great pride in being a firefighter and helping his community” said fellow PBFD Firefighter Bryan Quilter.
Early this year, Todd received the Meritorious Citation Award for his role in providing quality public education to the members of the community. The Meritorious Citation Award is given to individuals within a department to commend their personal sacrifice to make the community a safer place from fire and the tragedies of human suffering.
“He had a positive outlook on life no matter what the circumstances. He was determined to beat the illness and was more worried for the people around him being worried about him. He was a kind and considerate young man and a tremendous firefighter” said Fire Chief Todd Paige of PBFD.
Deputy Chief Curt Floyd of PBFD added “He was taken too soon. He was destined to do more. He was always respectful amongst his brother firefighters. Despite all of his awards and qualifications he never had an ego and was always open to learning and improving on skills.”
Todd is gone but he survives through the memories and the positive impact that he had on the community. He is survived by his wife Cait-Len Merritt Williamson, daughter Lilly Renee and ten month old son Tyler Mathew. Many local fundraisers helped with Todd’s medical bills and his family.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 15 at St. Joseph Church, New London. For information regarding donations to his family, visit the official union website of Firefighter Todd Williamson www.pbfd2704.com
Posted on July 21st, 2010 | category: In Memoriam
