Wilton firefighters are asking for the community's help in its push to increase staffing for the first time in over 25 years. The 2026 budget proposal from the Board of Selectmen includes two new firefighters, but the positions could end up on the chopping block if the public doesn't weigh in.

The Wilton Fire Department currently has 24 firefighters who work six at a time on 24-hour shifts—a model that's been the same since 1999, despite all that's changed in town since then.

“We think we've been understaffed and deficient for a number of years, but it's coming to a boiling point,” said firefighter Gary Mandel, president of the Wilton Firefighters Union.

Mandel told News 12 call volume since the last bump in staff—when the department went from four to six firefighters per shift—is up 86%.

“It's a different world from back then, and we needed the six back then, so we need more now,” Mandel explained.

That's with town's growth showing no signs of slowing down. Multiple residential and commercial projects are underway. First Selectman Toni Boucher previously told News 12 the town that in the next couple of years, the town could have 1,100 more apartment units and 2,000 more residents.

“This is a matter of safety. It's a matter of safety for the residents and for us,” Mandel stated.

Wilton’s Board of Selectmen overwhelmingly agreed and included two positions in the 2026 budget agreement. The plan would be to phase in additional staff over time until each shift has eight firefighters.

“They came out and said, ‘Look, costs are very important, we always focus on costs, but this is paramount and a priority,” Mandel said, commending the board’s decision not to compromise safety.

But the proposal is now with the Board of Finance, which has the power to remove expenses.

“There's a real concern that can happen,” Mandel told News 12, adding that the proposed budget exceeds the guidelines set by the Board of Finance. That’s why he’s calling on community members to attend the Board of Finance’s upcoming public hearing on the budget proposal and make their opinions known.

“We're just asking for support and a voice from the residents, saying, ‘We appreciate you. We need you,’” Mandel explained.

The public hearing is Wednesday, March 19, at Middlebrook School at 7 p.m.

Residents can also give feedback on the proposal by completing the budget survey that was emailed out by the Board of Finance. Responses are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28.