DAS Spotlight Bill Abbott

Bill Abbott  
Connecticut State Fire Marshal 
Department of Administrative Services 

1. What do you do? 

The Office of State Fire Marshal is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Fire Safety and Prevention codes, as well as licensing all crane and hoisting operators and demolition contractors. We are also responsible for the CT Fire Safe Cigarette program, where cigarettes cannot be sold in this state unless they meet our requirements. Our state construction unit is responsible for inspections of all state construction projects and annual inspections of all state buildings. Our field services unit is responsible for fire code modifications, code development, local fire marshal assists and open flame effects.


2. Why do you work for the State of Connecticut? 

I had previously worked at the City of Hartford fire department for 25 years for 20 of those I was in the fire marshal's office and had served as the city’s fire marshal for the last five of those years. When I retired, I felt as though I still had plenty to give. The CT Office of State Fire Marshal allowed me to continue to serve the citizens of the State of Connecticut at a level where I could make a difference in the lives of the residents of the State of Connecticut.


3. What is your favorite part of your job?  

Knowing that when I come to work, we can do something that is going to change somebody’s life in a positive way by providing a fire safe environment.

Working with my staff, they are the most dedicated group of people I have ever worked with, and it’s great to be with them every day.


4. Where is your favorite place that you have traveled? 

There are probably two, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire where we vacation each summer. Park City, Utah was also an awesome place to visit.


5. What would you tell someone who is interested in working for the state? 

I would tell them that the State is a great place to work. The people that work for the State are hardworking and it’s a great atmosphere to be in.


6. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be, and why? 

To be able to see into the future. It would enable me to effect change that could potentially change people’s lives for the better.


7. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut?  

Home.


8. Who inspires you and why?  

I had a boss/mentor, John Vendetta, when I worked in the City of Hartford’s Fire Marshal’s Office he inspired me to study, be positive and persevere when things would get difficult, especially after spending hours investigating the cause of a fatal fire.


9. Tell us your favorite fun fact. 

I enjoy playing Vintage Baseball which is baseball played by the rules and equipment of the 1860’s.