Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that the Waterbury Fire Department has been awarded federal grants totaling $648,000. The funds will go toward improving operations and safety at the facility and for vehicle acquisition. The grants were made possible by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which provides assistance to first-responder programs nationwide with the aim of better equipping first-responders to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of the first-responders themselves. In fiscal year 2008, the AFG program has provided approximately $500 million in nationwide grants.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that October 5-11 will be recognized as “Fire Prevention Week.”  This designation was made possible by last night’s Senate approval of a resolution introduced by Dodd and Collins. 

Eleven Connecticut cities and towns will receive equipment worth a total of $148,870 to help improve first responder capabilities, Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman announced today. The equipment will be provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). The initiative provides resources such as communications interoperability equipment, information sharing technology, chemical detection devices, sensors, personal protective equipment, and rescue tools. The CEDAP also provides first responders with training in how to use the equipment, devices, and technology.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that the Turn of River Fire Department in Stamford has received grants of $48,000 from the federal government.  The funds will support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.  The grants were made possible by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, which helps increase the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in local communities, and is made possible through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which provides assistance to first-responder programs nationwide.  In fiscal year 2008, the AFG program has provided approximately $500 million in nationwide grants.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) applauded Senate passage of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act today.  The legislation, authored by Dodd, will provide the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations with the authority needed to effectively investigate and prosecute unsolved Civil Rights Era-murders. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today applauded Senate passage of legislation that would reauthorize and increase funding for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The measure, authored by Dodd and Collins and cosponsored by Lieberman, would also expand the range of training programs offered at the National Fire Academy to ensure that America’s fire fighters are prepared to meet the growing demands on the fire service in the new century.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that the Allingtown, Bozrah, Clinton, Hamden, North Coventry, and Waterbury Fire Departments have received grants of over $800,000 from the federal government.  The funds will improve operations and safety at all fire departments, specifically in the areas of personal protective equipment, health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and wellness and fitness training.  The grants were made possible by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which provides assistance to first-responder programs nationwide.  In fiscal year 2008, the AFG program has provided approximately $500 million in grants nationwide.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that the Hamden Fire Department and Allington Fire District in West Haven have received grants of $30,030 and $23,074, respectively, from the federal government.  The funds will improve operations and safety at both fire departments, specifically in the areas of personal protective equipment, health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and wellness and fitness training.  The grants were made possible by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which provides assistance to first-responder programs nationwide.  In fiscal year 2008, the AFG program has provided approximately $500 million in nationwide grants.

Senator Chris Dodd accepted the "Fight Crime: Invest in Kids" award Wednesday, from the Connecticut Chiefs of Police for his work on behalf of our nation's children. Dodd accepted the award at the Green Street Arts Center in Middletown. Dodd will also toured the facility and met with staff to learn about their work to provide enrichment activities in all of the arts for area adults, teens, youth and families

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Chairman of its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs, made the following statement tonight following passage of the Merida Initiative.

“I’m pleased that Congress was able to reach a compromise on the Merida Initiative.  I am confident that this language will be acceptable to both the American and Mexican Governments.  The United States and Mexico must continue to work together to tackle our common security challenges and reduce drug trafficking and violence on both sides of our border.  Merida offers a strong first step toward achieving those goals and I look forward to continuing to work with our Mexican counterparts to bring about closer and more robust cooperation in the future.”