Karin Halstead Elected President of State Firefighters
She is the first woman to lead the Connecticut State Firefighters Association.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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Karin Halstead, a longtime firefighter with Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue, has been elected as the new president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association. She is the first woman to lead the organization and the second in the United States to head a state firefighters association.
Why it matters
Her election marks a milestone for the organization representing thousands of firefighters across the state. She succeeds the late William Halstead, who served as president beginning in 2020 before he died in the line of duty in 2022.
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association represents 26,400 members, comprised of 22,000 volunteer and 4,400 career firefighters. Halstead brings 29 years of experience to the role, having joined Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue in 1997.
The players
Karin Halstead
She is a veteran firefighter with Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the first woman to lead the Connecticut State Firefighters Association.
William Halstead
He was a former president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association who died in the line of duty in 2022.
Connecticut State Firefighters Association
This organization represents the interests of 26,400 volunteer and career firefighters across the state.
The details
Representatives from fire departments across Connecticut elected Halstead during an annual convention held in Waterbury on Saturday. She previously served as the first vice president for the organization before being elected to the top leadership position.
Timeline
Karin Halstead joined Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue in 1997.
William Halstead began his term as association president in 2020.
William Halstead died in the line of duty in 2022.
Karin Halstead was elected president on September 19, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the organizational structure set by the 2020 election of William Halstead, who held the presidency until his 2022 death. Her leadership signals a shift in representation for the 26,400-member organization, bridging the gap between volunteer and career fire service traditions.
The transition ensures continued advocacy for the 26,400 volunteer and career firefighters serving communities statewide. Residents can expect the association to maintain its focus on representing their interests under new leadership.
The takeaway
Halstead's election highlights the evolving leadership roles within professional and volunteer fire service organizations. Her appointment reflects a broader trend of inclusion in emergency management leadership across the United States.
Further reading
For more on notable figures across the state, visit the People section.
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