HARTFORD, Ky. — The City of Hartford is proud to announce the beginning of scheduled paid firefighter coverage, with part-time positions, at the Hartford Fire Department, marking a historic milestone in the department’s continued commitment to protecting the community.
Approved through the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 city budget, the initiative establishes part-time paid firefighter positions that will supplement the department’s dedicated volunteer members. City officials have allocated $44,000 for the first year of the program, which is designed to strengthen emergency response, improve firefighter recruitment and retention, and support the department’s long-term vision for the future.
For more than 120 years, the Hartford Fire Department has proudly served the City of Hartford and its surrounding fire district. Today, the department protects approximately 6,116 residents across a 122-square-mile fire district, extending beyond the city limits to ensure timely emergency response throughout the service area. In 2025, firefighters responded to 425 emergency calls, reflecting the essential role the department plays in protecting lives and property.
“Having served in the Hartford Fire Department for more than 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our volunteer firefighters and the challenges departments across Kentucky face with declining volunteer numbers,” said Mayor Beau Wright. “This is a practical, sustainable step forward. We want our firefighters to know they are valued, and we want our community to know we are continuing to invest in public safety.”
The new paid positions are part-time and are being filled from within the department by current volunteer firefighters. Selected members will complete the City’s employment application and hiring process before beginning scheduled paid shifts. The department will continue to operate as a combination fire department, with paid staffing complementing the volunteer firefighters who remain the foundation of the organization.
Fire Chief Billy Henderson said the transition is an exciting moment for the department and one that has been met with overwhelming support from firefighters and the community.
“This is our stepping stone,” Henderson said. “You have to start somewhere. We’re excited to begin building toward the future while continuing to demonstrate to our citizens that investing in the fire department is an investment in the safety of our community.”
Mayor Wright emphasized that Hartford’s volunteer firefighters have faithfully protected the community for generations and that this investment is intended to support their continued service.
“Our firefighters have always answered the call, often sacrificing time with their families to protect others,” Wright said. “They cover a 122-square-mile fire district, and they do it because they care about this community. We are incredibly grateful for every one of them, and this investment is one way we can recognize their dedication while strengthening emergency services for the future.”
The City of Hartford remains committed to supporting the Hartford Fire Department through continued investment in personnel, training, equipment, and grant opportunities. Officials view the addition of scheduled paid firefighter coverage as the next step in building a stronger department while preserving the proud volunteer tradition that has served Hartford since 1905.