UConn Health Disbanding Standalone Fire Department

FARMINGTON, CT — UConn Health is disbanding its fire department and turning toward municipal services instead, officials said Thursday.

Officials said officers and "affected employees" were told about the move, which is effective June 1, on Thursday.

"Due to ongoing fiscal pressures, after thoughtful consideration, UConn Health has decided to no longer operate a standalone fire department and its associated paramedic services on our Farmington campus," UConn health officials said in a statement.

"Given the long and proud tradition associated with the UConn Health fire department, this was not an easy decision,” UConn Health CEO Dr. Andrew Agwunobi said. “However UConn Health has to make such hard choices to protect its core mission of research, teaching and patient care while dealing with the reality of financial pressures.”

He added, "We are moving from this model, which has a long history and proud tradition, to a more standard model in which fire services are provided by surrounding municipalities and some retained personnel."

Farmington Town Manager Kathleen Eagen said the town's department is ready to take on the massive campus.

“The town of Farmington understands the fiscal challenges facing UConn Health and the State of Connecticut. The town of Farmington fire department is committed to providing the same high level of service to UConn Health that it does throughout the rest of the town,” Eagen said. “The proposed model developed by UConn Health will retain personnel on the campus to handle non-emergency activities. Our fire department will work collaboratively with UConn Health to assure that this change does not put an undue burden on the town of Farmington’s fire department.”

Agwunobi saluted the department.

“The UConn Health fire department has been a point of pride for this organization,” he said. “And we salute the men and women who have served with the strength, compassion, and service ethic that has made us proud.”

Photo Credit: UConn