City of Groton Firefighters Union

04/10/2026

After more than 30 years of dedication, leadership and service to our department and community, we would like to acknowledge the retirement of Battalion Chief Daniel Tompkins.

Throughout a remarkable career, Battalion Chief Tompkins demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and a steady presence that set a standard for all who served alongside him. It has been an honor to serve together. Thank you for everything you have done for the department, the union, the community, and for the next generation of brothers and sisters that may walk through our doors.

As this next chapter begins, we extend our sincere wishes for continued health, happiness, and meaningful time with family.

Congratulations on a well‑earned retirement, and thank you for your service.

03/29/2026

Groton Firefighters, Local 1964 offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Firefighter Cramer, and to our brothers and sisters at Bridgeport Firefighters, IAFF Local 834.

03/28/2026

Today, the City of Groton Fire Department is deeply saddened to share the passing of Retired Fire Chief William “Bill” Scarano. Chief Scarano, a true American hero, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Chief Scarano lived a full, active, and meaningful life. He was widely known and respected throughout the community for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. He served as Fire Chief and Fire Marshal for the City of Groton for 14 years, from 1971 to 1985, guiding the department with integrity, courage, and a steady hand.

Though he has left our side, Chief Scarano’s legacy endures—in the firefighters he mentored, the community he protected, and the department he helped strengthen. His impact will continue to be felt for generations.

The City of Groton Fire Department extends heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chief, we thank you for your watch. Rest easy now. We’ve got it from here.

View William Scarano Sr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Early this morning, members on B shift responded mutual aid to Poquonnock Bridge’s District for the 2nd alarm fire. A strong, coordinated effort by all departments lead to the fire being brought under control.

Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a structure fire at the Ramada Inn early Thursday morning, officials said.

03/15/2026

Tomorrow night at 7:30 PM at the Groton City Municipal Building, the Mayor and Council will be holding their regular meeting.

If anyone would like to attend and speak during public comment in support of the City of Groton Fire Department, we would truly be honored to have your voice heard. Your support means a great deal to the firefighters who serve this community.

03/11/2026

UPDATE- as of 3:30PM today, 911 system is online and working properly.

🚨ATTENTION🚨

City residents, businesses, and visitors. Should you be experiencing an emergency and you are not getting through to 911, Please call our station directly.

Head Quarters- (860) 445-2456

We will keep you updated as the day goes on.

🚨Just in - 911 System Outage Reported In Southeastern Connecticut - Groton / Stonington / Ledyard

📍 Southeastern Connecticut

📅 March 11, 2026 10:30am

📻 Key Details Reported

-- Authorities are reporting issues affecting 911 emergency phone lines in Groton Town, Stonington, and Ledyard

-- The outage was reported for unknown reasons and may prevent some callers from reaching emergency dispatch

-- Residents experiencing an emergency are advised to try texting 911 or call local police department non-emergency numbers if calls fail

📝 Additional Details
-- Similar 911 outages have occurred in Connecticut in the past due to commercial carrier equipment issues affecting phone networks rather than cyberattacks �

-- Regional emergency dispatch centers normally handle calls for multiple towns, which can affect several communities if systems experience problems

⚠️ Public Advisory

-- Officials urge residents not to test 911 lines unless there is a real emergency while technicians work to identify the issue

03/06/2026

City of Groton residents- poll is closing shortly. If you have second please fill it out!

The City of Groton is committed to enhancing public safety by increasing minimum fire department staffing to five firefighters per shift. This means hiring three additional full-time firefighters. This improvement strengthens emergency response capability, firefighter safety, and overall service to....

03/05/2026

Groton City Residents, your voice matters. If you have the time and haven’t done it yet, please consider filling out the poll in support of your firefighters, your safety and the safety of your community.

03/03/2026

On behalf of the City of Groton Fire Department, thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke in support for additional staffing at tonights Mayor and Council meeting.

To the residents of Groton - your courage, your voice, and your unwavering support mean more to us than we can put into words. We thank those who spoke up tonight whether in person or through we**am.

To our brothers and sisters from departments near and far who showed up— we are truly grateful for your support.

Our fight isn’t over though. The final and most important meeting is March 16 at 7:30PM. Please attend, fill out the poll before March 6th, and spread the word.

Groton City residents- please fill out this poll in support of your firefighters.
https://forms.gle/WQN1xdciFMXaRQsy9

03/02/2026

🚨 WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TONIGHT 🚨

Tonight at 7:30 PM, at the Municipal Building, the Mayor and Council will be addressing our proposal to hire additional staffing for the Groton City Fire Department. We are asking you to please come out, stand with your local firefighters, and let your voices be heard. Your presence matters, your support matters!!

03/01/2026

🎉 March Service Anniversaries 🎉

For the month of March, we’d like to recognize and congratulate these three dedicated firefighters for their years of service with the City of Groton Fire Department:

• Battalion Chief Kaniecki – 26 Years of Service
• Battalion Chief Gilmour – 18 Years of Service
• Firefighter Nichols – 5 Years of Service

Your commitment, professionalism, and continued service have made a lasting impact on both our department and the community we serve. We are truly grateful for your dedication and honored to have you as part of the Groton Fire family.

02/27/2026

Reminder, City of Groton Residents!

Join us next week, on Monday, March 2nd at 7:30 PM at the Municipal Building for the first meeting with the Mayor and Council to discuss adding additional staffing to the Fire Department. Come out, show your support, and make your voice heard!

The City of Groton is committed to enhancing public safety by increasing minimum fire department staffing to five firefighters per shift. This means hiring three additional full-time firefighters. This improvement strengthens emergency response capability, firefighter safety, and overall service to our community.

Before determining how to phase in this staffing increase, the City is seeking input from taxpayers. Your feedback will directly inform budget planning and the path forward.

We ask you to take this short survey by March 6 to share your thoughts: https://forms.gle/WQN1xdciFMXaRQsy9