Our condolences to the Fletcher family and the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department of Connecticut. Chief Bruce Fletcher, 50, a 30 year veteran of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department died Monday Novermber 18, 2002. Bruce suffered an apparent heart attack shortly after returning to Fire Station 20 following an EMS call. His brother firefighters and paramedics treated him at the fire station and transported him to Windham Community Hospital in WIllimantic where he died shortly therafter.

     Bruce was a decorated U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Hearts. He also served in the Connecticut National Guard for 20 years until he retired. On October 3, 2002 Bruce retired as a airplane engine inspector from D.C.M.A. Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford. He was a 30 year member of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Deptartment serving as Chief since 1996. Bruce held a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Service, was a certified Connecticut State Fire Officer II and a member of Tolland Mutual Aid Fire Chiefs Association. He was also an active member of the Tolland County Switchboard Association and has been an EMT since 1974. His twin brother Wayne Fletcher is the Deputy Chief at the department.

     Visitation for Bruce will be held Friday November 22, 2002 4-98PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street in Willimantic. A memorial funeral will full fire department and military honors will be held Saturday November 23, 2002 11AN at the former Ashford Baptist Church on Route 89 in Westford with a burial to follow in the Westford Hill Cemetery. Members from other departments wishing to attend the funeral should meet at Ashford School at 40 Westford Road (Route 89), 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 44. Bus transportation will be provided to the church and the cemetery.

     Our brother Bruce leaves behind his wife Jaye and his four grown children, Steven Fletcher and his wife, Louise of Ashford; James Perkins of Ashford; Melissa Fletcher of Ashford; and Rachael Pelletier of New York. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations to be made to: