01-04-2025
First responders receive critical training at annual Connecticut Emergency Management Symposium
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Fires, flooding and funding were among the topics discussed at this year's Connecticut Emergency Management Symposium. The event provides critical training and networking for first responders at the state and local levels.
'The state alone provides annual training to hundreds of people to prepare for emergencies from election disruption, to fires, flooding and hurricanes,' Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (D-Conn.) said. 'Our state has faced a growing number of emergencies.'
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'You never know when the phone rings, what the crisis of the day you may be waking up to, and I believe now more than ever we need to consolidate our efforts,' Maj. General Francis Evon, Connecticut's Adjutant General of the National Guard, said.
Climate change was one of the symposium's most significant topics, with the state saying it responded to 101 last year compared to 70 in 2023.
The Hawthorne Fire in Berlin was among the largest fires the state has seen in recent years. Firefighters from out of the state and the country were brought in to help bring it under control.
'My takeaway from that is any bit of help you can get in a situation like that is beneficial,' Berlin Fire Chief John Massirio told News 8.
But additional help could be in jeopardy, with emergency management and public safety officials at the conference voicing fears about threats to FEMA and federal funding. Connecticut DESPP Commissioner Ronell Higgins says he is concerned about the impact it could have on future disasters.
'In addition to recovery, just longer-term concerns when it comes to staffing, and equipment, equipment for bomb squads, and other specialized equipment that we need and rely upon,' he said.
Shelly Carter, who was just appointed to Acting Fire Chief of the Hamden Fire Department, told News 8, 'It is our job and our responsibility to make sure first we prepare our folks, we prepare our towns and our cities, then we need to make sure we mitigate the problem.'
Chief Carter said planning and preparedness are critical for the years ahead.
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