Member Benefits

Your commitment to the Gaylordsville Volunteer Fire Department comes with more than the opportunity to serve your community. Active members may qualify for valuable financial, retirement, insurance, and other benefits based on their participation with the Department.

GVFD benefits are earned through a points-based attendance system. Members must earn at least 50 points during the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, to qualify for the full benefit package.

Points are earned through participation and attendance with the Department.

Qualifying members may receive up to $2,000 per year toward personal property taxes if they own a home or vehicle in the Town of New Milford.

If a member owns a vehicle but the eligible tax benefit is less than the allocated benefit amount, the remaining balance may be provided in gas cards.

Members who do not own a home or vehicle may receive up to $500 in gas cards per year.

A retirement fund is established in the member's name.

The Department contributes $700 per year toward the retirement benefit. Members become vested after five years of service and are fully vested after 10 years.

Vesting increases by 20% each year during years six, seven, eight, nine, and ten.

Members must reach age 62 to collect the retirement benefit. Funds, to the extent vested, may also be taken after the fifth year following separation from service.

When joining the Department, members may elect to participate in an Accidental Life Insurance Policy.

Members are also covered under the Department's insurance policy while working or operating on behalf of GVFD.

GVFD membership may also provide access to discounts and programs offered to firefighters and first responders. Opportunities may include:

• Cell phone plan discounts
• Vehicle purchase discounts
• Mortgage assistance opportunities
• Retailer and first responder discounts

Available programs, discounts, eligibility requirements, and participating retailers may vary.

Connecticut continues to expand incentives designed to recruit and retain firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders.

In 2026, Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-12, establishing several new programs and initiatives for eligible first responders, including tuition waivers and mortgage assistance.

The law establishes tuition waivers at Connecticut State Community College and universities within the Connecticut State University System for eligible firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel.

Eligibility requirements apply, and the tuition-waiver provisions are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027.

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) is required to develop a mortgage assistance program for eligible first responders purchasing a principal residence in the community where they serve.

Assistance may include down-payment support or other housing subsidies. The mortgage-assistance provisions are scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027.

The legislation also includes provisions related to:

• Junior firefighter program grants
• Recruitment and retention initiatives
• A review of tax incentives and credits for volunteer firefighters
• Public safety career pipeline programs
• Certain survivor health insurance benefits
• Additional programs supporting Connecticut's public safety workforce

These state programs are subject to eligibility requirements and implementation guidelines and should not be considered guaranteed GVFD membership benefits.

[Learn More About Connecticut Public Act 26-12]

GVFD is powered by volunteers who choose to give their time, skills, and energy to their community. These benefits are one way of recognizing that commitment and rewarding members who remain active and involved throughout the year.

Benefit amounts, eligibility requirements, programs, and policies are subject to change. Members should refer to current GVFD and Town of New Milford policies for official eligibility and benefit information.