HARTFORD--If you're at least 18 years old, a Hartford resident, and need a job, the Hartford Fire Department needs you.
HFD is currently accepting applications, and a lot of them.
Hartford Fire is operating with 31 fewer firefighters than what it needs for minimal coverage, which is 288 to put out the fires and 40 support staff.
To offset the shortage, firefighters are working extended shifts.
The fire department points out that retirements have taken a toll, including 58 in the last fiscal year alone.
The vast majority of the retirements came as Mayor Luke Bronin began pushing for union concessions to help erase a major budget crisis in the Capital City.
"That could be the consensus that firefighters want to protect their rights and benefits," Capt. Raul Ortiz, said. "All the stuff that they worked for for the last 25, 30 years."
Despite the shortage in manpower, the Hartford Fire Department claims service to the community is still tops.
"Doesn't matter how tired we are, the job will still get done," Capt. Ortiz said.
HFD says it's currently awaiting approval for a federal grant of up to $8 million to put 50 new recruits through the fire academy, plus cover the first two years of their salary.
