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.

“It is of the utmost importance to me—and all the people of Connecticut—that the brave men and women of our fire departments have all the equipment and training they need to perform their duties successfully,” Dodd said.  “With these grants from the AFG program, the Hamden Fire Department and Allington Fire District will receive the funding that is crucial to the continuation of their excellent service.”

“First responders, like the Hamden and West Haven firefighters, put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our Connecticut communities,” said Lieberman. “I am pleased that these grants will help enhance their ability to perform a vital public service.”

Senators Dodd and Lieberman have a long history of advocating for fire safety. In 2000, Dodd authored and Lieberman cosponsored the FIRE Act, which gives local fire departments the ability to purchase new equipment and initiate education and training programs. In 2003, Dodd authored and Lieberman cosponsored the SAFER Act, a law that gives local fire departments the ability to alleviate critical shortfalls in professional and volunteer personnel. Since the SAFER and FIRE Acts were enacted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has distributed 414 grants for a total of more than $35 million in Connecticut to help fire departments strengthen their response capabilities.

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