(Hartford) – Congressman John B. Larson (D-1), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn), Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn), Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra and Fire Chief Carlos Huertas today announced a $951,311 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for the Hartford Fire Department to be used to obtain 105 state of the art self-contained breathing apparatus, one of the most critical personal protective equipment items that firefighters use. In addition, the Department will acquire technical rescue equipment that will enable safe and effective response to trench incidents involving large vehicles, water/ice rescue and other hazardous situations.

“This grant is a well-deserved recognition of the day in and day out hard work of Hartford’s firefighters and first responders,” Congressman Larson said. “I proudly join Senators Blumenthal and Murphy in congratulating Chief Huertas and the Hartford Fire Department for an outstanding job. The residents of Hartford including the hundreds of thousands of people who commute in and out of Hartford each day are safer because of this award.”

“Hartford firefighters will now possess the critical technology and equipment necessary to respond to the most challenging emergencies, helping to save the lives of residents while protecting the health and safety of our brave first responders. This year, federal funds have made it possible for more than two dozen fire departments across the state to purchase life-saving gear. I will continue to advocate for additional federal resources that all of our emergency responders need and deserve,” Senator Blumenthal said.

"Few things are more important than supporting our firefighters and first responders who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. This grant will provide critical support to help Hartford's firefighters do their jobs more effectively and keep them safe as well. I'll continue to fight for these heroes as they fight for us," said Senator Murphy.

“This FEMA grant will provide new state of the art rescue equipment that will allow for safer and more expedient extraction of fire victims,” said Mayor Segarra. "I want to thank Congressman Larson, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy for their consistent commitment to Hartford and, in this case, for helping to improve our overall public safety."

“Everyone’s unwavering support has made this grant request a reality,” said Chief Huertas. “This Grant will allow us to increase and enhance our overall Operational effectiveness. This vital equipment will better prepare us to meet the day to day challenges that we will face now and in future encounters as it relates to high angle rescues, swift water rescues, protracted motor vehicle crashes and extrications. The men and women of the City of Hartford, Fire Department are ready and eager to continue their exemplary service to ensure Public Safety is not compromised. The residents and visitors to our City will be safer for all your efforts.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is administered by the U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program provides federal grants to help local fire departments and emergency medical response organizations meet their fire and emergency response needs. For more than a decade, AFG has enabled firefighters and first responders across the country to obtain much needed protective gear and equipment to protect the public from fire related hazards.