06-05-2025
Connecticut sees over 50% decline in firefighter workforce: OSC survey finds
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — In a survey released by the Office of the State Comptroller on Tuesday, Connecticut has seen a reduction of firefighters decreased by over 50% in the last eight years.
The first of its kind, 'Special Examination on Firefighters' survey assessed the number of departments and firefighters, both volunteer and career, in the state. It also showed demographic data.
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In the last eight years, the number of firefighters in Connecticut has decreased by 50%, with an 'alarming' decline of 62.7% for volunteer firefighters. The most recent estimate on firefighters was published in 2017, no organization is responsible for tracking the statistics.
According to the report, the speculation is that fewer young people are exposed to being a firefighter as a career path.
'Connecticut is facing a firefighter recruitment and retention crisis, and this impacts every city
and town in our state,' Comptroller Scanlon said in a written statement. 'This report is meant to be a call to action, and as the administrator of pensions and health insurance for thousands of firefighters, I am committed to working with the fire service and state and municipal leaders to find solutions that will keep our firefighters and our communities safe.'
According to the survey, around 61% of fire departments in Connecticut are volunteer, and 16% are mostly volunteer. Volunteer fire departments are struggling to recruit young people because the 'intensive low pay out is not seen as practical.'
The number of career firefighters increased by about 6.5% in the same timeframe, according to the survey.
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