The Guilford Fire Department’s (GFD) search for a quality new hire of a firefighter/paramedic is highlighting a nationwide issue in finding qualified candidates for these specialized positions. According to Assistant Chief and Deputy Fire Marshal Michael Shove, the pool of available candidates has been dwindling for some time across the country, and Guilford’s search brings attention to the growing problem of a smaller pool of qualified personnel applying for these jobs.

According to Shove, the search is not easy even in a town like Guilford, which is ordinarily a draw for candidates due to its pay, employment atmosphere, and specialized training options.

“Right now is a really challenging time period for public safety departments, fire, and EMS, to find qualified candidates,” said Shove.

As to why this situation has arisen, Shove said there are no clear causes.

“We are all looking for answers, but it seems apparent that there simply are not the number of people applying for public safety jobs as there once were,” Shove said.

According to Shove, the situation has become such a concern that Hartford legislators recently created a special act with Senate Bill 1017 establishing a task force to find solutions to the problem of the shortage of firefighters and emergency medical service applicants in the state. Governor Ned Lamont signed that legislation in June.

“It is being recognized at the state level that this is a problem. Recruitment and retention of firefighters in general, and especially for paramedics, whether career or volunteer, has been very challenging for everyone. It is a national problem, not just a state problem,” Shove said. “Twenty years ago, when we were taking a test to get hired somewhere, you might have 5,000 people showing up for the written test. Today, we’re lucky to get even a hundred applicants.”

Shove said the changing job market has played a factor, but stressed that it’s difficult to point at a single cause.

“The requirements and prerequisite training become more and more every year in terms of medical certification, so that may be a factor. COVID did play a role in terms of lack of availability, so I think we are still recovering from that,” Shove said. “The workforce is changing, and it’s becoming a challenge for departments like ours. Really for every department.”

On its website, GFD is targeting a “dedicated firefighter/paramedic” to take their career to the “next level.”

“We are currently hiring firefighter/paramedics who are committed to excellence and ready to grow in their profession,” according to the website.

Shove said one of the distinguishing features of the GFD is its commitment to providing a wide range of training opportunities that allow personnel the opportunity to go beyond the traditional role of a firefighter.

That training includes public safety divers, ice rescue divers, high angle rope rescue, hazardous materials technicians, confined space rescue technicians, structural collapse technicians, trench rescue technicians, marine rescue, and an extensive drone training program. Shove said that by choosing to work for the GFD, candidates will be part of a team that values professionalism, dedication, and continuous improvement.

“It really is the same for all municipalities. It is a real challenge to retain and recruit. Here in Guilford, we really try to remain competitive,” Shove said. “It is critical today to maintain and retain our workforce and find ways to make sure we are competitive with other municipalities or commercial services. We do offer a lot of diversity in our training, which is an attractive factor. That is what we are known for. We have received federal funding for this, so we really hope that will assist in our search. But we are no different than every other municipality. There is a shortage; it is a big issue across the state.”

Interested candidates can contact the department or apply at www.guilfordfire.com.