Norwalk Launches Recruitment Drive For New Firefighters

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Fire Department anticipates needing to hire close to three-dozen new firefighters over the next couple of years, which has prompted officials to launch a recruitment drive to attract applicants, especially candidates of minority populations and women.

Currently, the department has 12 vacancies, more than twice the usual six vacancies it routinely carries, and by next year it expects to have another 14 vacancies and several more the following year, Fire Chief Gino Gatto said Thursday during a launch event at fire headquarters on Connecticut Avenue.

In recent years, recruitment has slowed primarily due to people thinking the testing process might be too difficult, a myth the department wants to debunk.

"Our goal is to reach everyone in Norwalk who is interested in becoming a firefighter," Gatto said. "Yes, there is a written test, but you do not need a college degree to take it."

Oscar Destruge, a member of the city's Board of Fire Commissioners, agreed. "The exam does not deal with knowledge of firefighting skills, but with overall knowledge."

The city is working with the Interdenominational Ministers' Fellowship of Norwalk, and community leaders, on outreach efforts to recruit candidates. Additionally, members of the fire department have met with career counselors at Brien McMahon and Norwalk high schools to inform them about the recruitment efforts.

Starting salary for a Norwalk firefighter is $65,476, and the position offers medical, dental and life insurance, in addition to a pension plan.

"Putting in an application, for members of our local minority communities, is not that big a deal," said Rev. Dr. Richard Clarke, chair of the ministers' fellowship. "It's getting them qualified. That is the key."

The department is holding its next firefighter recruitment exam on May 22, and hopes to begin hiring new candidates in the summer. Those candidates will then go to the state Fire Academy for 14 weeks before they start full-time.

"I encourage our residents who are interested in becoming a firefighter to submit their application," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. "We will be out there recruiting to let the public know this opportunity is available, and we are counting on our community partners to help spread the word. This is a competitive field, and I really want to see us hire more residents and increase our diversity within the Department. This recruitment effort will help us reach the community."

Those interested in applying to become a Norwalk firefighter can click here for more information. The fee to apply is $25, but those experiencing economic hardship can seek to have the fee waived.

The department will host an informational session in April via Zoom for Norwalk residents that will provide an overview of the application process, answer questions and give more information about the department and working in Norwalk. Details on when that session will be held will be announced soon, officials said.