CT Deputy Fire Chief Dies after 'Valiant Battle' with COVID-19

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BROOKLYN, CT — Patrick Dragon, a retired Connecticut State Police trooper and deputy fire chief in Brooklyn, died Saturday night after what those who knew him described as a "valiant battle" with COVID-19.

In a statement on behalf of Dragon's family, Michele Hearn said relatives are "heartbroken beyond words" after Dragon's death.

"We are grateful for the blessing to have been able to gather together as a family to give him our love and support," Hearn said. "We love you, Patrick and will hold you close in our hearts every hour of every day."

Connecticut State Police said Dragon served at Troop D in Danielson before his retirement on Feb. 1, 2018. Over the years, he served in many roles, including as a first responder to the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, state police said.

Dragon died at Hartford Hospital, a news release from the agency said.

The East Brooklyn Fire Department, where Dragon served as deputy chief, said he was a dedicated member for 34 years who worked his way up the ranks.

"We cannot express how deeply he will be missed and wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Dragon family," the fire department said.

Brooklyn's Mortlake Fire Company said Dragon set a "great example when it came to serving our community and giving back. He gave so much more than most even realize and would not ever even expect a 'thank you.' Patrick will leave a void in the fire service in Brooklyn and beyond that will be tough to fill."

State police said Dragon entered the State Police Training Academy in January 1998. In addition to serving in Danielson, Dragon was also a resident state trooper in Sterling, as a detective in the agency's Eastern District Major Crime Squad "and as a detective in the Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit," the news release said.

Dragon was remembered as a "friend to all who met him" by members of the Foster Police Department in Rhode Island where he was once a dispatcher.

"There are not enough words to describe the kind of person that Patrick was," the department said in a statement.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring, "due to COVID-19 restrictions," state police said.

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