It’s Official: Firefighter Suzy Gillotti
We have a new firefighter in our Stratford Fire Department. On September 14th Firefighter Suzy Gillotti completed her year long probationary period with the Stratford Fire Department! Suzy graduated the Connecticut Fire Academy back in December of 2024 and is now on-board with the Stratford Fire Department.
Suzy Gillotti turned her background—a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management, a licensed radiographic technologist and multiple certifications through her work in the fire service—into becoming a firefighter.
According to Gillotti, “My journey started when I was about five years old. My dad became a volunteer firefighter and my mom an EMT, in our hometown. I admired them and watching them serve the community left a lasting impression. I loved animals and my plan was always to become a veterinarian, so I went to college to study animal science. I never stopped volunteering in the fire service, and eventually realized it was my true passion and decided to pursue it as a career.”
When asked what first inspired her to become a firefighter, she responded: “There was not one incident that inspired me, but rather the experience of ‘growing-up’ around the firehouse. A group of kids would go with our dads to training nights. We watched and learned, and many of us joined the fire service. It took me a few years, a couple of detours, and a lot of work, but now I can call myself a career firefighter, and it really is the best job in the world.”
Gillotti is a graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy (CFA), the State’s main facility for firefighter training. It is part of the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, a division of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and is located in Windsor Locks, adjacent to the airport. Connecticut municipalities send new firefighter employees for recruit training before they go on the line in their respective departments.
Besides providing training for career firefighters, the CFA also collaborates with the State’s regional fire schools to provide training and certifications for volunteer firefighters. Last year Gillotti spent 15 weeks in Recruit Class #74, with 63 other firefighters from around the state, to gain the knowledge and skills required for the job.
How did Gillotti end up in Stratford? Once she completed college she concentrated on building skills that would be needed as a firefighter, for example becoming an EMT, getting a CDL and passing the CPAT physical agility test.
Her very first firefighter job was working at Sikorsky Aircraft Fire Department. She worked there for nearly six years which enabled her to become familiar with the town and appreciate the community. When the Stratford Fire Department opened their applications she applied and the rest is “history”.
Advice for other women interested in becoming a firefighter…. “Do it, you won’t regret it. It is challenging but incredibly rewarding. I work with so many amazing people, with so many talents. We all bring something to the table, that’s what makes us so effective. Every day is different, and you will have so many opportunities to learn new things. You will have to work hard to get here, but it’s worth it. If you’re curious but not sure where to start, consider volunteering at your local fire department or stop by and see us, we would love to show you around and how to get started.”
CONGRATULATIONS!