By Amanda Cuda
Connecticut Post Online

OXFORD, Conn. — Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier remembers when volunteer fire departments had a waiting list of people eager to lend a hand. Now, he said, the Oxford department gets roughly three to four new volunteer firefighters a year.

He's not the only one seeing a drop in interest.

State Fire Administrator Jeffrey Morrissette said volunteer fire departments in the state have experienced steady declines in membership over the past 20 years.

Many other volunteer agencies have reported drops as well, said Wayne Sandford, deputy commissioner of the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. People just aren't as willing to donate their services these days, Sandford said.

"I think a lot of pressure is put on people today," Sandford said. "There's less free time to volunteer."

Hoping to draw some attention to the need for volunteers, and to entice more people to lend a hand, the Department of Emergency Management, and other agencies throughout the state funded a documentary on the issue. The resulting program, "On Watch: Connecticut's Emergency Service Volunteers" will air at 8 p.m. Thursday on Connecticut Public Television.

The two-hour program examines the importance of emergency service volunteers, and explores the challenges agencies face in recruiting new members.

Sandford said many local agencies are reliant on volunteers.

For instance, about 70 percent of the state's fire departments are staffed at least partially by volunteers.

The film features agencies around the state that rely on volunteers, including the Fairfield Police Department's Explorer Program. The program, established in 1976, allows area youth aged 13 to 22 to shadow police officers. These "mini officers" also assist at community events by helping coordinate parking, escorting senior citizens who need help and providing other services. All the kids in the program volunteer their time.

Enrollment in the Explorers is generally strong, said Sgt. James Perez, a spokesman for the Fairfield Police Department. However, he's hoping the film will spread awareness about the program. "We're always looking to expand, and make sure everyone knows we're here," he said.

Sandford echoed that statement, and said he hopes the documentary drums up interest in volunteering. During the film's live broadcast, volunteers from various emergency organizations will answer phone calls from viewers willing to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Agencies represented will include EMS and fire departments, as well the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other organizations.

Meanwhile, Pelletier said the Oxford Fire Department (which isn't featured in the film), is managing to get by with a core of regular, dedicated volunteers. But, he added "we could always use more."