VOLUNTEERING In Connecticut
Become a Volunteer Firefighter in Connecticut
Serve Your Community. Save Lives. Make a Difference.
Across the state of Connecticut, volunteer firefighters are the backbone of local emergency response. From small towns in Litchfield County to coastal communities in New London County, thousands of residents rely on volunteer firefighters to respond when emergencies happen. But today, Connecticut’s volunteer fire service is facing a serious staffing shortage—and communities need more people willing to step up.
Why You Should Become a Volunteer Firefighter
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is one of the most rewarding ways to serve your community. You’ll help protect neighbors, families, and local businesses when emergencies happen. You’ll gain valuable skills and training that can benefit your career and everyday life. You’ll also build lifelong friendships while making a real impact. Few volunteer opportunities allow you to make such an immediate and meaningful difference in people’s lives.
You don’t need experience to start. Take the first step today!
The Need for Volunteer Firefighters in Connecticut
Connecticut’s fire service depends heavily on volunteers:
- Connecticut has about 13,401 firefighters statewide, including roughly 8,337 volunteer firefighters.
- Volunteer firefighters once numbered more than 22,000 in 2017, meaning the state has experienced a 62% decline in volunteer firefighters in recent years.
- 88 towns in Connecticut rely entirely on volunteer fire departments for fire protection.
- More than 60% of Connecticut’s fire departments are volunteer-based, and many others operate as combination departments that rely on volunteers to supplement career staff.
These numbers tell a clear story: Connecticut communities depend on volunteers to keep emergency response systems working. When volunteer numbers drop too low, departments can be forced to reduce services, consolidate, or even close. That means longer response times and increased risk for communities.
The need for Volunteer Firefighters in Connecticut has never been greater. By stepping up and getting involved, individuals like you can make a lifesaving difference in your community. No prior training or certifications are necessary to apply.
Although local governments and departments establish different selection criteria, many departments require that volunteers:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be healthy and in good physical condition
- Complete basic fire & EMS training
- Live in close proximity to the fire district
- Have a clean criminal record
- Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements
- Respond to a certain percentage of calls
Time requirements vary by department, and commitment will depend on several factors, such as the number of calls the department receives, training requirements, shift versus on-call structure, and community activities in which the department requires volunteers to participate.
Most Volunteer Departments will accept volunteers who are unable to leave work or have other obligations to respond to a call. In fact, some departments in Connecticut offer overnight and weekend programs for volunteers who want to contribute their time, but can’t break away from their obligations during the work week.
Volunteer Firefighters do not receive a traditional salary, however many departments offer financial incentives and benefits to support their service. Compensation varies by department, but common forms include:
- Stipends & Reimbursements
- Tax Incentives & Pension Plans
- Tuition Assistance
- Insurance & Health Benefits
- Professional Training & Career Advancement
- Non-Monetary Rewards
While Volunteer Firefighting isn't a paid job in the traditional sense, the benefits - both financial and personal - make it a rewarding commitment. Many departments are working to improve compensation and incentives to attract and retain volunteers.
STATE RESOURCES
VolunteerFirefighter.org works with numerous fire associations to provide added resources and benefits to our Volunteer Fire Departments. Click the links below to learn more.
Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association
