Fire Department · Combination
Waterford Fire Department
Waterford, CT · Southeastern Connecticut County
The Waterford Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical first response, and technical rescue for the town of Waterford, Connecticut, on the shoreline near New London. It runs as a combination organization, backing a paid staff with a network of long-standing volunteer companies.
The department serves approximately 20,000 residents plus local businesses and industries, handling roughly 3,000 calls for service each year. Career staff include fire administration, a fire marshal's office, fire inspection, and community safety education.
Volunteer operations are delivered through six independent companies: Waterford Fire Engine Company #1, Jordan Fire Department, Goshen Fire Department, Quaker Hill Fire Company, Oswegatchie Fire Company #4, and Cohanzie Fire Company #5.
Waterford recruits community volunteers into its six fire companies through a Volunteer Membership Application. New members work toward State of Connecticut Firefighter I certification and supporting credentials, and participate in monthly drills and annual refresher training.
Active volunteers are supported by a points-based incentive program and a property tax abatement program for volunteer firefighters, rewarding participation in emergency responses and approved training.
Requirements
- State of Connecticut Firefighter I certification (or higher) for firefighter members
- Hazardous Materials - Operational Level certification
- IS-700 and ICS-100/200 certifications
- Attendance at monthly training drills
- Annual live fire training, CPR, blood-borne pathogens, and SCBA refresher training
- Membership in good standing with a Waterford volunteer fire company
- Town employees are ineligible for the incentive program
Hiring process
- Submit the Waterford Fire Department Volunteer Membership Application
- Join one of the six volunteer fire companies in good standing
- Complete required certifications and minimum training by June 30 preceding the fiscal year
- Participate in monthly drills and annual refresher training to earn incentive points
Benefits
Volunteers earn points for emergency responses and approved training; members reaching at least 50 points annually receive $7 per point (for example, 55 points equals $385). Certified fire officers receive an additional $150 annually. These incentives are in addition to an existing property tax abatement program for volunteer firefighters.
How do I join the Waterford Fire Department as a volunteer?
Submit the Waterford Fire Department Volunteer Membership Application and join one of the town's six volunteer fire companies. New members then work toward the required certifications and training.
What certifications do volunteer firefighters need?
Firefighter members work toward State of Connecticut Firefighter I certification (or higher), Hazardous Materials Operational Level, and IS-700 and ICS-100/200. Fire police members need HazMat Awareness plus IS-700 and ICS-100.
Is there any pay or compensation for volunteers?
Yes. A points-based incentive program pays $7 per point for members earning at least 50 points annually, certified fire officers receive an extra $150 per year, and there is also a property tax abatement program for volunteer firefighters.
What ongoing training is required?
Members must attend monthly training drills and complete annual live fire training, CPR, blood-borne pathogens, and SCBA refresher training, with minimum training completed by June 30 preceding the fiscal year.
What kind of calls does the department handle?
Waterford is a combination department providing fire suppression, emergency medical first response, and technical rescue, running approximately 3,000 calls per year for about 20,000 residents.