$750,000 FIRE GRANT AWARDED TO POQUONNOCK BRIDGE FIRE DISTRICT IN GROTON

WASHINGTON – Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal announced Wednesday that the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District has been awarded $748,896 to improve operations and safety within the department. The grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program (AFG).

“Despite the significant dangers they face on the job, our first responders remain committed to their duty to protect us, not just in times of crisis, but on a daily basis as well,” said Lieberman. “It is an honor to help make sure that they have top-notch resources at their disposal so they may continue to respond to emergencies efficiently and safely. Although we can never do enough to thank the men and women of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District, they have certainly earned our support and this grant is well deserved.”

Blumenthal said: "These critical funds will enhance operations within the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District, ensuring that firefighters in the region have the infrastructure, tools, training, and equipment they need to be effective and keep the community safe. Supporting our first responders means supporting the safety and well-being of Connecticut residents and I am confident that this grant will do just that."

Lieberman has a long history of advocating for fire safety. In 2000 and 2003, respectively, he was a cosponsor of the FIRE and SAFER Acts and on March 10, 2011, introduced the Fire Grant Reauthorization Act of 2011, legislation that reauthorizes the AFG and SAFER programs for five years. Since the FIRE and SAFER Acts were signed into law, FEMA has distributed 670 grants for a total of over $78 million in Connecticut to help fire departments strengthen their response capabilities. Lieberman is also a Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus for the 112th Congress.

Blumenthal has fought to ensure the fair provision of survivor benefits to the spouses and families of police officers and firefighters who have been injured, or lost their lives, in the line of duty.

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