< Go Back |
|
For Immediate Release
October 5, 2006 |
|
Fairfield Receives $110,074
in Fire Grants from Department of Homeland Security
Bridgeport, CT –Three fire departments in Fairfield
will receive a total of $110,074 in Assistance to Firefighter
Grants from the Department of Homeland Security, Congressman
Christopher Shays (R-CT) announced today.
“This funding will allow local Fairfield fire departments
to purchase training equipment, pagers and a ‘jaws of
life’,” Shays explained. “It’s important
to provide our firefighters with the best training and equipment
and I’m grateful for this support.”
“The Town of Fairfield very much appreciates Congress’
help in getting these important grants which will help give
our Fire Department more training and tools to aid in its
responses to emergency situations,” said Fairfield First
Selectman Ken Flatto.
The Fairfield Fire Department will receive $48,800 for a
mobile training simulator. The trailer-mounted mobile flash
over simulator helps train firefighters how to deal with superheated
gases which ignite (called a flashover). It safely simulates
the experience in a controlled environment so firefighters
can learn the signs of a flashover, how to deal with them
and how hot is too hot. The mobile simulator will be used
to train Fairfield firefighters, as well as members of other
fire departments in the state and region.
“This simulator will provide live fire training in
a controlled environment to enhance local and regional training
programs as well as providing NFPA 1001 competencies for Firefighter
1 and 2 certifications,” said Fairfield Fire Department
Deputy Chief Arthur Reid. “In addition to providing
realistic flashover conditions in a relatively safe, controlled
environment, this equipment and the related training and activities
could be used to enhance fire ground communications, personal
protective equipment use and safety, hose line application,
fire ground safety and almost any practical evolution."
The Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department will receive $51,774
to purchase a new Hurst tool and its accessories.
“The grant we are receiving is for new hydraulic rescue
tools, used frequently on both local and state roads,”
said Angus Maciver, Member of the Board of Directors for Stratfield
Fire Department. “The current tools we have are about
15 years old and without this funding, it would have taken
us a lot longer to replace them.”
The Southport Volunteer Fire Department will receive $9,500
to purchase pagers for its volunteer firefighters. This is
the third Assistance to Firefighters Grant the Southport Volunteer
Fire Department has received.
“We thank Congressman Shays and his support of our
volunteer organization. The money we have received from this
program has helped us purchase a new truck, firefighting gear
and curricula to train new firefighters. This additional funding
will help us purchase pagers,” said Ron Arnone, Assistant
Chief, Training Officer and grantwriter at Southport Volunteer
Fire Department. “The moneys received help us buy equipment
and provide services to the Village of Southport, the Town
of Fairfield and mutual aid to surrounding communities.”
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants
(AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs
of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services
organizations to enhance their ability to protect the public
and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards.
For additional information, please visit www.firegrantsupport.com.
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
-30-
|