Torrington public-safety chiefs report staffing shortfalls, new equipment and reporting changes

Torrington’s police and fire leaders told the Board of Public Safety on Jan. 27 that both departments are operating below authorized staffing levels while pursuing equipment repairs, new vehicle deliveries and updated data systems.

Police Chief Baldwin told commissioners the department remains "down 7 personnel," though four recently finished field training and two recruits are in the academy, with interviews scheduled for additional candidates. He described an overtime auto-theft grant that pays officers to patrol and deter motor-vehicle break-ins, saying the problem "has diminished over the last couple of months" but remains a statewide concern.

Fire Chief Tripp said his department is "down 6 of personnel," has issued conditional offers and adjusted shift rotations to maintain coverage. He reported station-level safety work at the Torringford location, including planned heating and wall modifications, and said the department is compliant with the new statewide NEARIS reporting system that replaced the older NFIRS platform on Jan. 1.

Deputy leadership gave an update on apparatus repairs: Engine 5 returned from a vendor after nearly 12 weeks of work on air-brake and aerial components, and Engine 2 is ready for pickup. The deputy said the department has prioritized work with the fleet manager but expects a temporary slowdown after a mechanic retires.

An EMS representative identified as Jeff told the board his provider has ordered three new ambulances with expected delivery around April and anticipates one will be dedicated to Torrington; he also said Torrington coverage is currently fully staffed with one paramedic completing field training.

Chiefs described a mix of short-term steps — overtime patrols, prioritized repairs, conditional job offers — and longer-term options, such as evaluating headquarters utilities and potential solar to reduce costs. Tripp said headquarters electricity runs "roughly $7,000 a month," and he plans to consult facilities and the utility to study solar options.

The board did not take additional formal action on staffing or procurement at the meeting; members asked for monthly follow-ups on station readiness and apparatus status. The chiefs said existing funding streams, grant awards and internal budgeted positions are the immediate levers to address shortfalls.

The board is scheduled to receive a monthly update on the Torringford/Torringford station at future meetings and will revisit fleet and staffing items as those reports arrive.