CT Fire Marshal Killed in Wreck Returning from Call

ORANGE, CT — The town’s longtime, beloved Fire Marshal Tim Smith died Sunday in a motor vehicle accident on the way home to Prospect from a fire call, officials have confirmed.

Orange Police Chief Bob Gagne said he and the department are, “shocked and deeply saddened,” by the “tragic” loss of Smith.

“Tim was a dedicated father and consummate professional. He was loved by friends and family and he was well-respected by public safety professionals in the fire, law enforcement, emergency medical and emergency management services,” Gagne said. “We grieve his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Smith, 56, is the father of two daughters.

The accident happened in Woodbridge Sunday at about 4:47 p.m. on Litchfield Turnpike (Route 69) south of Downs Road, states a press release from the Woodbridge Police Department.

The press release distributed Sunday, does not name the victim, but officials have confirmed it was Smith.

The release states the accident involved a single vehicle and the operator was the sole occupant. The CT State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit is also assisting with the investigation.

Tim Smith assumed the role of fire marshal in 1989, after the retirement of George Smith (no relation), who had served the town for 44 years as a firefighter and 28 as fire marshal. Tim Smith has previously served as deputy fire marshal.

During his years of service to the town, Tim Smith investigated many fires, including several major cases, such as the 1994 deaths of two teens in a house fire on Riverdale Road and the 1996 fire that caused serious damage to a barn at an historic farm.

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