Coventry offers free housing to college students in exchange for firefighter service

COVENTRY, CT (WFSB) -In response to a growing shortage of volunteer firefighters and EMTs, the Coventry community is launching a unique initiative to attract new recruits.

 

The town is offering college students the opportunity to live rent-free at the local firehouse in exchange for their service.

Captain Craig Malan of the Coventry Fire Department explained that 70% of emergency calls are medical, and finding responders has become increasingly challenging.

“All year round, full access, we’ve got a full kitchen, bathrooms, showers, station rooms, televisions, couches, sofas, bunk rooms, internet, cable, all things that they need,” said Malan.

In return for free housing, the student volunteers would undergo training and be expected to take shifts responding to calls.

The initiative aims to find four college students willing to live at the firehouse for one year.

Coventry has recently hired approximately a dozen new staff members, some full-time, some part-time, and some on per diem basis.

Additionally, Pat Boyd, Chair of the CT Public Safety & Security Committee, noted that efforts are underway to introduce fire service curriculum in high schools to spark interest in future careers or volunteer opportunities.