Rep. Susan Johnson

February 26, 2015

REPS. ORANGE/JOHNSON OPPOSE PROPOSED
CUTS TO FIRE SCHOOLS

State Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester, Lebanon, Windham and Mansfield) and State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham) are fighting proposed cuts to the state’s fire training schools. Included in Gov. Dannel Malloy’s biennial budget proposal are cuts to the state’s nine Fire Training Schools amounting to $743,899.

“The Eastern Connecticut Fire School in Windham provides vital training to first responders across eastern Connecticut,” Rep. Orange said. “The training they receive prepares firefighters for real-life emergencies.”

“First responders make us safe,” Rep. Johnson said. “We must work to increase their safety by continuing to fund their training, which enhances their safety.”

The funding provided to the schools in the state budget covers the operational costs of the regional fire schools. Instructors’ payroll, utility costs and facilities’ maintenance is covered by the state grant.

The proposed cuts would require the schools to increase tuition fees. For example, fees for the Firefighter I program would increase between 300 and 400 percent according to the Connecticut State Firefighters Association – The program, which costs today between $600 and $700, would jump to between $2,000 and $2,700 – a cost that would be borne by municipalities.

The Eastern Connecticut Fire School is located at 1 Fire School Road in Willimantic.


Legislative Office Building, Room 4029
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
(860) 240-8585 | 1-800-842-8267
Susan.Johnson@cga.ct.gov