Canton Firefighters Warn Of Potential Benefit Cuts

CANTON, CT — Local volunteer firefighters are worried about a potential loss of stipends they say acts as an incentive for folks to serve the local fire department.

With town officials mulling a new spending plan for 2025-26, the Canton Fire & EMS Department posted an open letter to Canton residents Tuesday on the matter.

In it, the department urges folks to support responders and to pay attention during budget season.

Specifically, Canton firefighters expressed worries the town could slash a per-call stipend to volunteers responding, something created in 2008 as an incentive for volunteerism.

Initially $5 per call in 2008, the stipend now stands at $25 per call, something that has been in place since 2022, according to the fire department.

The fire department said this has helped boost the volunteer levels within its ranks.

"However, in recent weeks, during various budget meetings, some elected officials have proposed drastic cuts to the very same incentives that have helped our department thrive," wrote the fire department in a statement.

"Reducing stipends would negatively impact our recruitment and retention efforts, making it harder to continue providing the high level of service that our community relies on."

The department urged residents and taxpayers to "stay informed and support your first responders."

"Let’s ensure the Town of Canton’s Fire and EMS Department volunteers are appropriately supported to continue the current levels of service to our neighbors," wrote the department.

March is a key month in the budget process, with selectmen discussing the spending plan Thursday, March 6, and the Canton Board of Finance expected to conduct extensive deliberations all month long.

From March 4: 'Canton's Budget Season Heats Up This Week/Month'