Lauri Volkert has been appointed as Connecticut’s state fire marshal, effective December 2, 2024, as announced by Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman.
Volkert, the first woman to hold the position, previously served as the fire marshal for Windsor since 2023 and worked as a fire inspector for the town prior to that.
Commissioner Gilman stated: “Lauri Volkert brings institutional knowledge, stellar communication skills, and deep relationships across the fire service community.
“I envision her utilizing her position not only to protect the life and safety of Connecticut residents through her work on creating and enforcing the fire code, but also prioritizing community risk reduction and public information.”
Volkert succeeds William Abbott, who retires after 19 years of state service, including 11 years as state fire marshal.
William Abbott, retiring after a decades-long career in fire service, is credited with more than 25 years of service as a firefighter and municipal fire marshal in addition to his tenure as state fire marshal.
Commissioner Gilman remarked: “I join my colleagues from across the state in thanking Bill Abbott for his lifetime of dedication to the fire service in Connecticut.
“There is no doubt that Connecticut residents have been well-served by his dedication and professionalism.”
Abbott’s leadership included close collaboration with the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, which conducts investigations into the causes of fires and explosions.
Volkert expressed enthusiasm for the position, emphasizing collaboration and safety initiatives: “I thank Commissioner Gilman for this appointment and am excited to join the team.
“I am eager to work with partners both in the fire service and the broader community to promote fire and life safety across the state of Connecticut.”
Her priorities include advancing fire and life safety measures and contributing to the state’s fire code updates, which are expected to take effect in early 2026.
Terrence Dunn Jr., president of the Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association, also welcomed Volkert’s appointment and acknowledged Abbott’s contributions: “On behalf of the Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association, we would like to congratulate Lauri Volkert on her appointment as state fire marshal and our organization looks forward to working with her and her team in the future.
“We would also like to congratulate outgoing Fire Marshal Bill Abbott for his many years of dedication to the fire marshal community.”
Volkert holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and a paralegal certificate, both from Connecticut institutions, and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration.
She was recognized as the National Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year in 2021 by the National Fire Protection Association for her work with local, state, and national organizations to achieve life-saving results.
Her new role will allow her to continue building on these accomplishments while leading statewide fire safety initiatives.
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services announced the appointment of Lauri Volkert as state fire marshal, effective December 2, 2024.
Volkert is the first woman to hold the position.
She succeeds William Abbott, who is retiring after a 19-year career in state service, including 11 years as state fire marshal.
Volkert brings extensive experience from her roles in Windsor and as a fire safety educator.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is responsible for developing and enforcing codes and standards to reduce fire risks statewide.
