DODD, LIEBERMAN ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $720,000 FOR CONNECTICUT FIRST RESPONDERS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today announced that first responders in nine Connecticut cities and towns will receive more than $720,000 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

“We owe it to our brave first responders—who put themselves in harm’s way for our own safety—to provide them with the tools, technology and support they need to carry out their jobs safely,” said Dodd. “These vital funds will allow nine fire departments in Connecticut to acquire essential equipment, protective gear, and training that might have otherwise been unattainable for communities facing difficult budget decisions.”

Lieberman said: “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect Connecticut communities and therefore deserve every bit of assistance we can provide them, particularly in tough economic times.  That’s why I’m delighted these nine fire departments will receive critical federal funding to help with training and equipment purchases – funding that is all the more important when local governments are hard pressed to find funding for these purposes on their own.”

According to the Department of Homeland Security, AFG funds may used to purchase emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, or to fund the training of first responders.

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:

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