Lack Of Fire Department Staffing Leads To Safety Issues, Groton Firefighters Union Says

GROTON, CT — The City of Groton Firefighters Union is calling attention to a lack of staffing and equipment that it said is resulting in safety issues.

The firefighters union said a recent power outage "clearly demonstrated the strain on local fire resources."

Below is the full statement from the firefighters union:

Chief Wilson recently underscored that Groton City Fire does not meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) staffing standards, and we fully agree. Our department has not experienced a personnel increase in more than two decades, which continues to challenge our ability to provide the level of service our community deserves.

The recent power outage clearly demonstrated the strain on local fire resources. Groton City Fire, together with Sub-Base Fire and Poquonnock Bridge Fire, responded to a high volume of emergencies both within our district and through mutual aid. This event highlighted two critical limitations: staffing and apparatus availability. Some apparatuses are placed out of service due to personnel shortages, while others face mechanical issues that develop when vehicles are not operated to their full potential on a consistent basis. To further compound the challenge, Electric Boat Fire Department was also forced out of service during the outage, eliminating another vital resource at a time when every available unit was needed.

It is imperative that NFPA 1710 be given serious consideration across fire departments nationwide. Without adherence to this standard, both firefighter safety and community safety remain at risk. When proper staffing levels are not met, available resources are stretched thin, which can lead to unavoidable delays in response and limit the effectiveness of emergency operations. Ensuring adequate staffing and resources is not simply a matter of compliance—it is a matter of protecting the people we serve and the firefighters sworn to protect them.