Windsor Mourns Death of Firefighter Robert Watts, 50

Windsor is mourning the loss of volunteer firefighter Robert Watts, 50, who died while responding to an emergency call at the Windsor Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on Poquonock Avenue Monday night.

Watts was with the first engine to arrive on the scene, Fire Chief Bill Lewis said Tuesday morning.

At the scene, Watts was connecting a fire hose to a hydrant when he collapsed, according to Lewis. Emergency workers administered emergency medical care at the scene, and Watts was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford where he died.

According to Lewis, the cause of death is currently unknown. Tuesday afternoon, a woman with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner would not say whether the office would have more information on the cause of death.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to firefighter Watts' family and the entire Windsor Volunteer Fire Department community," Town Manager Peter Souza said. "Today, especially, we are reminded and thankful for all the valuable service that our volunteers provide to the Windsor community."

Watt's is survived by two children, Allen, 17, and Christina, 15, who attend Windsor High School.

"I'm not sure if words can begin to describe this loss," Mayor Don Trinks said at the fire department Tuesday. "The volunteers, as a whole, sacrifice, and this is the ultimate sacrifice for people they don't even know."

"It's a grim reminder to all of us of the dedication and sacrifice put forth by our volunteer firefighters that we as a community are so grateful for each and every day," Trinks added in a statement released.

Support for Windsor's volunteers and Watts' family have poured into the station. "My phone has not stopped ringing," Lewis said.

Watts is the first Windsor firefighter to lose his life on the job since 1978, Lewis said. Richard Maynard suffered a fatal heart attack while in the line of duty that year.

Watts joined the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department in 2003 and completed his training in 2006. He served in the Marine Corps from 1980-86 and is a graduate of Manchester High School.

Watts' fire service began early when he joined the Manchester Fire Department 8th Utilities District in 1977 as a junior member.

Lewis said that Watts was an active member of the community, responding to emergencies during the day and night, and giving his time to various fundraising efforts, including annual Christmas tree sales at the Windsor Center Fire Company.

He described Watts as "a dedicated family member to his two kids, and a valuable member that we'll miss."

Funeral and memorial services have yet to be scheduled. They will be announced following consultation with the family, according to Lewis, who wore a black mourning band over his fire department shield in tribute to his fallen colleague.

Associate Regional Editor Megan Bard contributed to this report.