First respondersConnecticut fire departments receive $270,000 in DHS grants
On Friday, Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal announced that the New London Fire Department would receive a DHS grant for more than $15,000, while the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department would receive over $260,000 in DHS funds
Last week two fire departments in Connecticut were awarded grants totaling more than $270,000.
On Friday, Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal announced that the New London Fire Department would receive a DHS grant for more than $15,000, while the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department would receive over $260,000 in DHS funds.
New London’s grant comes as part of the Fire Protection and Safety Grants Program, which is designed to help local fire departments with commercial inspections as well as code awareness and enforcement, and the Oakdale grant stems from DHS’ Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants which help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.
In announcing the grant, Senator Lieberman said, “The safety of the men and women who protect us from disasters every day is of paramount importance, and we must do all we can to protect them.”
He added, “These grants will help the New London and Oakdale fire departments protect and defend the citizens of Connecticut from emergencies. Even in tough economic times, we will not sacrifice the safety and security of Connecticut communities. I am pleased to announce these funds will be coming to Connecticut.”
Senator Blumenthal echoed Lieberman’s remarks stating, “Being a firefighter is a dangerous job and we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that these men and women have the most up to date resources and staffing to keep our families and communities safe.”
“These two grants reflect the importance of prioritizing the vital role our firefighters play in Connecticut,” he said.
Lieberman has had a long record fighting for firefighters. The Senator is the co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus and co-sponsored the original bills that created the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the SAFER grant. Since becoming law, DS has awarded Connecticut nearly 650 grants totaling $72 million.
