Sitting in traffic, you’re startled by the sudden “Woo-wee” of sirens filling the air. Red flashing light emerges in your rearview mirror, carrying firefighters to an emergency. For most drivers, this is only a passing moment. But for former Westport firefighter Terrence Dunn, moments like these inside the truck became the foundation of a career built on service, sacrifice and leadership. What began in the passenger seat of a fire truck eventually led him to become Connecticut’s State Commissioner of Fire Prevention.
Being appointed State Commissioner, Dunn’s promotion represents years of hard work and dedication. Dunn started out in 2003 working as a firefighter on the frontline, while still studying at the University of New Haven and getting his degree in fire inspection. At University of New Haven, Dunn took a promotional test and was advanced to fire inspector.
“I went from fire call to being a fire inspector and enforcing fire code and I did that up until 2022 as fire inspector,” Dunn said. “Then in 2022 I was appointed to fire marshall and led my division with deputies and recently I was appointed to State Commissioner of the whole fire services for the state of Connecticut.”
As State Commissioner, Dunn will serve as the primary governing body responsible for firefighting training, professional certification and statewide fire prevention initiatives.
However, this journey of becoming a firefighter didn’t just begin in 2003 when he actually had a job as a firefighter. Since he was a kid, Dunn has always had a passion for this particular field.
“Before Kindergarten, I remember when my Grandma would babysit me. She lived across from a fire station,” Dunn said. “I always would drag her across and I made sure to sit in the truck and go down the pole at the station, and since then, I knew that I wanted to be a fire fighter.”
Dunn emerged himself in his work as soon as he could. He started out as a volunteer when he was 16, where he was able to continue to grow a passion for firefighting, which led him to the decision to attend the University of New Haven.
Being a firefighter often means running toward danger while others are trying to escape to safety. It comes with courage and sacrifice but also pride and purpose.
“In 2005 I was above a garage out in Saugatuck and an axe body blew out. It ruptured my ear drum and till this day I still have hearing loss,” Dunn said.
Even with stressful and life-changing calls, spreading his passion for this job to others is his favorite thing to do.
“There are many positives,” Dunn said. “One thing I like right now is public education and teaching the young kids about fire safety and prevention.”
