Fire officials are asking city leaders to add nine full-time Fairfield firefighters over a three-year period beginning in 2022. But to do that it is likely some kind of levy would have to be put on the ballot – and approved by voters – by the end of next year. Additional firefighters are needed because of a shortage of experienced part-time firefighters – a problem fire departments across the region are facing, said Chief Don Bennett. “Everyone’s fishing from the same pond,’’ said Randy McCreadie, deputy chief. “We’re losing our experienced (part-timers) … to our neighbors who are transitioning to full-time jobs. The competition is great.”