Police and fire leaders told the Torrington Board of Public Safety on Dec. 3 that both departments are operating with staff shortfalls and are pursuing multiple recruitment strategies ahead of next year’s budgeting cycle.

"We're currently down 7 officers right now," Police Chief Baldwin told the board, citing academy graduations and officers in training as part of the department’s near-term staffing picture. Baldwin said one recruit is expected to graduate the academy on Dec. 17 and another starts at the Waterbury Academy the following day; four officers are scheduled to complete field training this month and two conditional offers are outstanding.

Fire Chief Tripp reported the fire department recently "lost a firefighter to Bristol. His last day was November 22," which he said leaves the department with four open positions. Tripp described active recruitment efforts that include outreach to academy graduates, an application window closing Dec. 9, and participation in the "Heroes to Heroes" veterans program to attract trained candidates.

Tripp told the board he expects to have preliminary cost numbers for Eastside station manpower and station needs by Jan. 8 as the city’s budget process begins. He also asked the clerk to collect board contact information so he can provide weekly text updates about "any major issues" within the fire department.

Deputy Chief (apparatus) gave a separate equipment update: Engine 5 is awaiting manufacturer pulleys and a part is expected next week with repairs following, and Engine 2 is awaiting a seal kit from an out-of-state vendor. The deputy chief said he was "optimistic by Christmas" that the trucks would be back in service.

Both chiefs emphasized community-facing operations: Baldwin reported increased patrols and visibility at the homeless shelter that opened Dec. 1 at Trinity Church, saying there have been "no issues" so far. Tripp said the department will form a building committee for Eastside station work and invited a board commissioner to participate.

The board did not take any hiring votes at the meeting; chiefs framed their updates as operational briefings ahead of the budget season and recruitment timeline.