WASHINGTON - Seven Connecticut fire departments will receive a total of $318,438 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman announced today. Thompson, Groton, Mansfield, Rogers, Naugatuck, Brookfield, and Harwinton fire departments will get funds for new equipment and safety and training programs.
“Connecticut firefighters often are the first on the scene of a catastrophe. They shouldn’t be last when it comes to getting critically important resources,” said Dodd. “Thankfully this assistance – while only a start – can begin to address those tremendous shortcomings and provide our firefighters with the help they need and deserve.”
“Connecticut cannot afford to under-fund and under-supply our fire fighters. Too many lives are on the line,” said Lieberman. “This money is a good start toward making sure these first responders are as prepared as they can possibly be.”
DHS will award the money as part of the Assistance for Fire Fighters Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fire Administration. The funds will be used for fire fighter health and safety programs, new fire fighting apparatuses, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.
The following fire stations will receive grant awards:
• Thompson Fire Engine Company Inc. $9,365
• Poquonnock Bridge Fire District. $55,627
• Mansfield Volunteer Fire Company, Inc $86,397
• Williamsville Fire Engine Co $23,153
• Naugatuck Fire Department $ 93226
• Brookfield Volunteer Fire Dept. Candlewood Co. Inc $7,470
• Harwinton West Side Volunteer Fire Company Inc. $43,200
The awards were made possible by the FIRE Act of 2000, a law authored by Dodd and co-sponsored by Lieberman that gives local fire departments the ability to purchase new equipment, hire new personnel, and initiate education and training programs. Since the FIRE Act was enacted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), now a part of DHS, has distributed more than 11,000 grants for a total of more than $729 million to help fire departments across the country strengthen their response capabilities.
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