Connecticut
Connecticut Fire Academy graduates 28 cadets in intro to fire course
On Saturday, the Connecticut Fire Academy celebrated its latest group of 28 cadets who’ve completed the introduction to fire service program.
The week-long course trains teenagers across the state between the ages of 14-17 years old on how to become successful firefighters.
There are two separate introductory weeks along with a third week focused on advanced training, but cadets must first complete the introductory course, according to P.J Norwood, Director of Training at the Connecticut Fire Academy.
“It’s a full week camp where we introduce them to skills, tactics and training within the Connecticut Fire Service and we bring these cadets from all across the state and we group them together and we build one big team,” Norwood said.
The academy has been conducting training for decades.
Norwood added as it becomes more difficult to find qualified individuals, it’s these types of opportunities that prepare cadets to build a career in firefighting.
“This opportunity allows them to learn what the fire service is about, learn quality fire service, public safety and life skills and get them engaged in the fire service. The majority of our cadets will go on to be successful volunteer firefighters, career firefighters or public safety professionals.”
Timothy Shove, 15, of Clinton was one of the 28 cadets who successfully completed the introductory training course.
“I learned mostly how to search and how to use a radio, I didn’t know how to use a radio. I also learned how to raise a ladder, a bunch of stuff and it was very important to me.”
Shove said for him it was a great experience and looks forward to one day becoming a firefighter.
Cadets put out a fire to celebrate the end introduction to fire service course at the Connecticut Fire Academy on June 28, 2025.
“My dad’s my inspiration right here and it’s just really something I enjoy,” Shove said.
Michael Shove, Assistant Chief at Guilford Fire Department, expressed pride at his son following in his footsteps.
“Watching when we dropped him off on Sunday to where he is today and watching all the cadets out here actually go through a full fire evolution is amazing.”
To celebrate the end of the course, cadets demonstrated an emergency fire scenario to family and friends.
New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force.
On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force.
Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force.
Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges.
He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Episode Highlights:
- Job Openings vs. Workforce Shortage
- Unemployment Trends
- GDP Growth Amid Labor Challenges
- Affordability and Long-Term Competitiveness
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Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
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