DODD, LIEBERMAN ANNOUNCE $68,780 FIRE GRANT FOR HAWLEYVILLE VOLUNTEER COMPANY

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company will receive $68,780 in fire grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The funds will go towards the purchase of personal protective equipment for the company’s volunteer personnel.

“Connecticut is fortunate to have so many dedicated fire fighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe from harm,” said Dodd. “This grant will help ensure that the members of the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company will have the necessary equipment and gear to properly respond to local emergencies.”

“This funding is critical to ensuring firefighters in Hawleyville are well-equipped and prepared for all emergencies. Connecticut residents are proud of our courageous first responders, and this award will better enable them to do their difficult and dangerous jobs safely.  We can never do enough to support their service to their communities, but this funding is an excellent start,” said Lieberman.

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 has distributed 600 grants for a total of more than $66 million in Connecticut to help fire departments strengthen their response capabilities.  Dodd and Lieberman have been tireless advocates for increasing federal funding for first responders.

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