Union Lobbies for More Staffing
In Connecticut, the Torrington Firefighters Union is publicly calling for increased staffing on the city's east side, citing delayed response times and public safety risks. The campaign highlights the ongoing national debate over minimum staffing levels and firefighter safety.
The Torrington Firefighters Union's push for increased staffing centers on raising the minimum on-duty shift from 11 personnel to at least 15. This number is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standard for a low-hazard structure fire response. The union argues that current levels are a "gamble" and insufficient to safely handle all necessary tasks within the first 20 minutes of a fire, such as running hose lines, search and rescue, and ventilation. This staffing debate follows a record-breaking year for the department in 2024, where firefighters responded to 4,365 fire and EMS calls, averaging about 12 responses per day. Union President Tim O'Donnell has pointed out that about half of these calls were for emergency medical services. For major incidents, the department currently relies on mutual aid from other towns and calling in off-duty firefighters. The city's east side coverage, a key point of the union's campaign, is slated to change. In late 2025, the city of Torrington took ownership of the former Torringford Volunteer Fire Department station on East Main Street. The volunteer department closed in April 2025 after 68 years of service, citing an inability to get enough members to keep the department going. Before the Torringford station can house a career crew 24/7, the building requires significant renovations, including the addition of dorms, showers, a kitchen, and a connection to the city's sewer system. Fire Chief Dave Tripp plans for some daily coverage from the station to commence while the full upgrades are underway.
