OVER $1.4 MILLION AWARDED TO CT FIRST RESPONDERS

            WASHINGTON—Connecticut Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman announced Friday that fire departments in 16 cities and towns have been awarded $1,408,281 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.  The funds will enable Connecticut first responders to receive additional training, purchase protective equipment, buy new vehicles and improve the health and safety of fire fighters and the public, among other purposes.

            “Every day, our brave Connecticut firefighters put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and security of all of us,” said Dodd.  “When towns and cities are struggling with difficult budget decisions, these vital federal funds will help ensure fire departments across our state can continue to best serve their communities and neighborhoods.”

            Lieberman said: “In these tough economic times, the assistance that cities and towns across Connecticut get from the Department of Homeland Security’s grant programs is that much more critical. This money will help Connecticut’s brave first responders carry out their mission to protect the rest of us whenever a disaster strikes.  With local governments and their budgets under tremendous strain, these funds could not come at a more opportune time.”

            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), now part of DHS, has distributed over 550 grants for a total of more than $60 million in Connecticut to help fire departments strengthen their response capabilities.  Senators Dodd and Lieberman have been tireless advocates for increasing federal funding for first responders.

            The cities and towns receiving grants, along with the totals, are as follows:

• Wallingford Department of Fire & Emergency Service--$495,000
• New London Fire Department--$159,840
• Orange Volunteer Fire Association--$138,316
• Valley Emergency Medical Service, Inc.--$117,880
• New Britain Fire Department--$84,480
• Northfield Volunteer Fire Department--$67,669
• South Manchester Fire Department--$51,806
• Shaker Pines Fire Department--$50,075
• New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department--$45,030
• Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company #1--$38,000
• The Lakeville Hose Co. No. 1--$38,000
• Milford Fire-Rescue Department--$36,000
• City of Norwalk Fire Department--$30,660
• Torringford Volunteer Fire Department--$22,255
• Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department--$19,950
• Glastonbury Fire Department--$13,320

-30-