Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon volunteer firefighters urge residents to join ranks as requirements and costs rise
Summary
A 51‑year volunteer firefighter appealed for new recruits and asked state legislators to address unfunded mandates that increase local costs. Town officials encouraged discussion with state representatives and pointed to recruitment as essential to avoid reliance on career staffing.
At the April 7 hearing, longtime volunteer firefighter Jaime DePace urged residents to recruit volunteers for the Avon Volunteer Fire Department and warned that without volunteers the town could face higher costs.
"We're taking names because we need volunteers. We need firefighters, okay?" DePace said, urging community outreach and family recruitment. He also asked whether state legislators could eliminate unfunded mandates that raise costs for local departments; Chair Lowry said those concerns should be raised with Hartford legislators.
Several board members and residents acknowledged the challenge of sustaining volunteer emergency services and encouraged recruitment and dialogue with state representatives about mandates and funding.
