During the Milford Town Deliberative meeting on February 1, 2025, a significant proposal was put forth regarding the hiring of three full-time firefighters for the Milford Fire Department. The proposed budget of $277,195 aims to address the growing demands on the department, which currently relies heavily on a dwindling number of volunteer firefighters.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by the fire department, which has seen a decrease in volunteerism from 45 members in 2014 to just 18 today. This decline is attributed to various factors, including increased job commitments and the changing dynamics of community engagement. The department responded to a record 851 incidents last year, underscoring the need for reliable staffing to ensure timely responses, especially during nighttime hours when volunteer availability is limited.

Support for the proposal came from the majority of the Board of Selectmen, who emphasized that full-time staffing would enhance community safety and ensure a 24/7 operational capacity. Selectman Philbrick noted that the current average response time at night is 12 minutes, which could be significantly improved with dedicated full-time personnel.

However, the proposal faced opposition from some council members who questioned the necessity of full-time staffing given the current call volume. They argued that the town could explore alternative solutions to bolster volunteer recruitment without incurring the substantial annual cost of approximately $555,000 for full-time positions. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on existing volunteers, who may feel discouraged by the shift to a more permanent staffing model.

The Budget Committee expressed support for the article, recognizing the evolving needs of the community and the fire department's historical reliance on volunteerism. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and consideration of the proposal, as the town grapples with balancing fiscal responsibility and the imperative of public safety.

As Milford continues to grow, the outcomes of this deliberation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of emergency services in the community, reflecting broader trends in volunteerism and public safety across the state.