Karin Halstead has been named the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs Emergency Plan 2025 Bill Halstead Firefighter of The Year.

A 28-year veteran of the fire service, Halstead followed in her father’s footsteps to become a firefighter in her hometown. The Sandy Hook native has been around the fire service her entire life. She is “not only dedicated to the job, but a friend to many, always remembering birthdays, special events, and celebrations,” according to the announcement made October 22 during the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs annual meeting.

Halstead followed in the footsteps of her father, the late Bill Halstead. She joined Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue in 1997, and immediately began responding to calls, often riding in the apparatus alongside her father, the longtime chief of SHVFR.

Halstead then joined Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps in 1998 and quickly became a well-respected EMT.

She has remained a steady and important part of Sandy Hook VFR’s operations, where she currently serves as EMS captain and treasurer. She previously served as secretary and assistant treasurer.

In 2008 Halstead was named SHVFR Firefighter of the year, and in 2023 she was elected a Life Member of the company. She remains very active and serves on several company committees. She is regularly among the company’s top ten responders.

Halstead’s involvement in the fire service goes beyond Sandy Hook VFR. She joined Fairfield County Fire Chiefs in 2011, and currently serves as first vice president. She is poised to become that association’s first female president.

Halstead is active in Connecticut State Firemen’s Association and holds the position of first vice president. She will become that association’s first female president in two years.

Further, Halstead continues to serve as vice president of CT Irregulars Association, a position she stepped into after the passing of her father in 2022. She has also been chair of Connecticut State Firefighter Hall of Fame Dinner, an event that draws an annual attendance of 500+ people.

“Karin continues to be a true inspiration for women in the fire service, showing what it truly means to be dedicated, and have leadership qualities,” Fairfield County Fire Chiefs said in its statement.