Former Somers Fire Department Chief William Meier Dies

SOMERS, CT — Former Somers fire chief William Meier Jr., who presided over the dedication of the new firehouse during his 8-year stint as head of the department, died Thursday at his home. He was 69.

Meier moved to Somers in 1985, and joined the fire department the following year. He was named chief in 2000 and held that role until 2008. He was instrumental in obtaining an initial second ambulance for the town, and worked to expand the paid firefighter daytime coverage.

He was at the helm as the department added a new tanker truck and service vehicle. Another accomplishment was the upgrade of the department’s Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to the latest technology. He also served as municipal representative to the Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service.

Chief John Roache said, "After stepping down as chief, Bill continued to provide leadership to members of the department. He was a mentor to many officers and firefighters, and was highly respected by the membership. When Bill wasn’t driving a fire truck, he was behind the wheel of an ambulance, assisting with medical calls. He also contributed as a fire engineer, teaching new apparatus drivers the skills of driving and pumping various fire trucks. Bill’s good nature and thoughtful insights will be missed by all. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. We have lost a true friend."

His son, Bill Meier, said, "He loved driving the antique "51 truck" in parades and drove it for many years in the annual Four Town Fair Parade. He remained active with the fire department until his death."

Longtime West Stafford Fire Department Chief Joe Lorenzetti said, "I had the privilege of knowing, and working with Bill Meier Jr. throughout his fire service career. He was the consummate professional, highly dedicated, yet humble. He progressed to become Chief of Department, and led the Somers Fire Department through a period where all of our agencies were rapidly evolving into busier departments, and he navigated these challenges with skill. Never afraid to ask for suggestions on calls when we were called to Somers, or they, here. I always found him to be an outstanding Chief Officer. He will be missed."

Meier grew up in Montrose, N.Y., excelling in three sports at Hendrick Hudson High School and eventually being inducted in its Hall of Fame. He also served as class president in his junior and senior years.

He went on to play baseball at Clarkson University, receiving notice from several major league scouts, but most importantly, he earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He was a civil engineer with the Lane Construction Company of Cheshire for 42 years, serving in many roles including Director of Special Projects.

Meier was extremely active within the Somers community. He was a catechist and Eucharistic minister at All Saints Church, was on the board of directors of the Amherst Railway Society, was umpire-in-chief of Somers Little League and served on a committee of Somers Boy Scout Troop 387.

He and his wife Cheryl were married for 42 years. He is also survived by three sons, William Meier III, Matthew Meier and Christopher Meier, and a daughter, Kerri Meier. He leaves five grandchildren, a brother and sister, and other relatives.

Calling hours are slated for Monday, Sept. 7 from 4-7 p.m. at the Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St., Somers. Burial will take place Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at Somers Center Cemetery. A Mass will be held privately at the convenience of the family. His obituary may be read here.

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