Commissioner Gilman Appoints Lauri Volkert as State Fire Marshal

Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman today announced that she is appointing Lauri Volkert to serve as state fire marshal beginning on December 2, 2024. Volkert will be the first woman to hold the position. Volkert has served as fire marshal for the Town of Windsor since 2023 and previously served as a fire inspector for the town.

“Lauri Volkert brings significant institutional knowledge, stellar communications skills, and deep relationships across the fire service community,” Commissioner Gilman said. “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. I am confident that Lauri has the skills and experience to be a highly successful state fire marshal.”

Volkert succeeds William Abbott, who is retiring in December after 19 years of state service, including 11 years as the state fire marshal, and more than 25 years as a firefighter and municipal fire marshal.

“I join my colleagues from across the state in thanking Bill Abbott for his lifetime of dedication to the fire service in Connecticut,” Commissioner Gilman added. “There is no doubt that Connecticut residents have been well-served by his dedication and professionalism over the years.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is responsible for promulgating and enforcing codes, standards and regulations to reduce the harm associated with fires, explosions, and mechanical failures. The fire code adoption process is ongoing, with the next state building, fire safety and fire prevention codes expected to go into effect in early 2026.

"I thank Commissioner Gilman for this appointment and am excited to join the team,” Volkert said. “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. I congratulate Bill Abbott on his retirement and thank him for his years of dedication to the fire service."

The OSFM works closely with the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, which is responsible for conducting cause and origin of fires and arson investigations.

“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,” said Terrence Dunn Jr., president of the Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association. “We would also like to congratulate outgoing Fire Marshal Bill Abbott for his many years of dedication to the fire marshal community, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”

Volkert holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from the University of New Haven and a paralegal certificate from the University of Hartford. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven.

In 2021, Volkert was named the National Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year by the National Fire Protection Association, recognizing her strong partnerships with local, state, and national organizations that have brought outstanding life-saving results to benefit the people who live, work, learn and play in our communities. As state fire marshal, she will continue and elevate these activities with the support of Commissioner Gilman and the State of Connecticut team.