Karin Halstead Elected to Lead Connecticut Firefighters

The veteran firefighter becomes the first woman to head the state association representing 26,400 members.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a brass firefighter helmet on a wooden surface, representing leadership in Connecticut emergency services. — Karin Halstead has been elected president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, becoming the first woman to lead the 26,400-member organization. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel local organizations in your community are becoming more inclusive in their leadership?

Karin Halstead was elected president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association during the organization's annual convention in Waterbury. The move marks the first time a woman has led the trade group, which represents 22,000 volunteer and 4,400 career firefighters.

Why it matters

This leadership transition signals a shift in the representation of Connecticut's emergency services sector. The association serves as a key advocacy and support body for thousands of personnel across both volunteer and career departments.

The association represents 22,000 volunteer and 4,400 career firefighters. Halstead has served with the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue for 29 years.

The players

Karin Halstead

A veteran firefighter with 29 years of service at Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue who now leads the Connecticut State Firefighters Association.

Connecticut State Firefighters Association

An advocacy and representative body for 26,400 volunteer and career firefighters across the state.

William Halstead

The former president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association who served from 2020 until his death in the line of duty in 2022.

The details

Representatives from fire departments across Connecticut elected Halstead during the annual convention held in Waterbury. Previously, she served as the first vice president of the organization. She follows in the footsteps of William Halstead, who served as president starting in 2020 before he died in the line of duty in 2022.

Karin Halstead joined Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue in 1997.
William Halstead began his term as president of the CSFA in 2020.
William Halstead died in the line of duty in 2022.
Halstead was elected as the new president on September 19, 2026.

Market Landscape

This development follows a pattern established by the historical election of the first women to state-level firefighters associations. Halstead is only the second woman in the country to reach this specific leadership position.

Operators in the emergency services sector should monitor the association's upcoming policy agenda for changes in training standards or legislative advocacy. Management and municipal leaders should note the potential for new priorities as the association shifts to its first female president.

The takeaway

This election represents a milestone for representation in Connecticut's fire services and highlights the deep experience expected of its leadership. Stakeholders should review the association's upcoming member newsletters for specific policy objectives to be established under the new administration.