FEMA Regional Director Honors First Responders At Waterbury Connecticut Fire Department
FEMA's Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program Highlighted
Release Date: July 1, 2003
Release Number: R1-03-56
Boston, MA -- Daniel A. Craig, Regional Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was joined by numerous federal, state and local officials today at the central fire station in Waterbury, Connecticut, to recognize the vital role of firefighters' protecting America's homeland. The event marked the first two years of funding awards to the Waterbury Fire Department from FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The funds have been used to purchase emergency breathing apparatus and to develop a fitness/wellness program for the Waterbury firefighting staff.
"As we approach the annual celebration of our nation's birth, we need to be reminded of the debt we owe to all those who preserve and protect America's safety" said Regional Director Craig. "By taking good care of our first responders, as we are doing here in Waterbury, we are taking good care of our homeland."
Among those who joined Craig at the event was Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Waterbury Fire Chief George Klauber, Fire Captain James Peplau, State Emergency Management Deputy Director Tom Thomas, and representatives of Senators Joseph Lieberman, Christopher Dodd and Congresswoman Nancy Johnson.
Congresswoman DeLauro said "Our firefighters, police and emergency personnel are on the front lines in our country's fight against terrorism every day. It is critical that we ensure they have the necessary funding to continue to protect our country."
Following the public event, Regional Director Craig conducted a roundtable discussion with Chief Klauber, Deputy Director Thomas and numerous other representatives of area firefighters, police and emergency managers to explore ways of further improving homeland security and emergency preparedness in the region.
Grants made available under the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program may be used for one of four purposes, which include helping local fire departments purchase firefighting equipment, funding firefighter health and safety programs, enhancing emergency medical services programs or conducting fire prevention and safety programs. FEMA expects to announce the 2003 grants on a weekly basis. The total for the approximately 7,000 grants will amount to a $750 million investment to enhance fire and EMS service delivery nationwide.
Last Modified: Friday, 04-Jul-2003 09:02:00