Who Will Answer the Call? Rethinking Volunteer Fire, EMS, and Healthcare Pipelines in Connecticut

As I travel around Connecticut, I find myself reflecting on some things, especially now that I’m 50 and embracing this next chapter of life. One thought that keeps coming up is this: with the rising cost of college, how do we inspire young people to consider essential careers that don’t require a traditional degree, but are absolutely vital to the well-being of our communities?

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with professionals in the EMS field, and it’s clear that many towns across Connecticut continue to rely on unpaid volunteer fire departments and emergency medical responders who serve with incredible dedication and heart. This model has sustained communities for generations—but as populations grow, climate change intensifies, and risks like lithium battery-related fires increase, it raises an important question: Is your town planning for what’s ahead? Are we adapting our emergency response systems to meet the evolving challenges of the future?

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is UR Community Cares’ model. BUT trained volunteers showing up for everything from house fires to car accidents to cardiac arrests. But as we face a national wave of retirements—nearly 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day—the question looms: Who will continue to answer the call?

I looked into how Manchester compares to its neighboring town of Glastonbury, which had a population of 35,159 according to the 2020 census. Despite its size, Glastonbury continues to rely largely on volunteer EMS support, with just two paid staff members noted in its most recent approved budget. In contrast, the Town of Manchester had a population of 59,713 as of the 2020 census and has allocated just over $19 million for the FY 2025–2026 budget.

But what happens when those volunteers begin to age out of service? Many of them have been serving their communities for decades, often quietly, without fanfare or compensation. As they step back, are municipalities ready to adapt? Are town budgets beginning to reflect the reality that volunteer rosters are shrinking, and fewer younger residents are stepping up to replace them?

This isn’t just a public safety issue; it’s a healthcare crisis in the making. The same demographic pressures are hitting long-term care, hospitals, and home health sectors. As older adults live longer, often with complex health needs, we are entering a moment that requires bold innovation and workforce reinvention.

We must ask:

How are we encouraging high school students to pursue careers in senior care, EMS, or nursing?

Are we investing in programs that teach skills like CPR, dementia awareness, or even ASL to prepare for aging populations with vision and hearing loss?

Are we honoring the value of care work—and inspiring young people to view it not as a job of last resort, but a calling? We are so excited to have nursing and human service interns from Goodwin University this summer. They have a passion for their studies, and their goal is to make a difference in people’s lives. I had that same feeling my whole career, and it’s so great to see the fire in their eyes to make an impact.

Connecticut has the chance to lead. Let’s build new pipelines that blend purpose, technology, and community service. The future depends on it.

Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director

860-430-4557

The AARP Tax-Aide program is looking for a volunteer with strong administrative skills to join our Tax-Aide site at the Manchester Senior Center as the site coordinator. Tax expertise is not needed for this position.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free income tax counseling and tax preparation to middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those aged 50 and older. In Connecticut, over 20,000 people were helped this past year at 90 sites throughout the state.

This key position will work closely with the site staff, the other Tax-Aide volunteers at the site, and the broader local Tax-Aide organization; the focus of the role is to ensure the site runs efficiently and smoothly. Candidates must have strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Training/mentorship will be provided. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer position, please send an email to ct1@aarpfoundationtaxaide.org.