(Hartford, CT) - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Congressman John Larson (D-1), Manchester Mayor Jay Moran and Fire Chief David Billings today announced a $79,411 federal grant for the Manchester Fire Department to be used to purchase 38 portable radios and 16 vehicle radios. The new equipment will replace existing, outdated radios, providing the department the most modern communication technology available and better allowing firefighters to communicate life-saving details as fires and emergencies develop.

The grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

“This grant will ensure all Manchester firefighters have access to the most modern radios available needed to communicate quickly and clearly in an emergency. Our brave firefighters risk their lives every day to save ours, and they deserve the most current safety equipment and technology available. At a time when local funding is often limited, I will continue to fight for federal dollars to ensure all local firefighters and first responders have the safety technology they need and deserve,” Blumenthal said.

“Reliable communications are crucial to our first responders and the communities they protect,” said Larson. “With this funding, the Manchester Fire Department will be able to purchase the latest in radio technology. I am pleased to join in announcing this award today and know it will be used to help keep our firefighters and our neighborhoods safe.”

“These scarce competitive grant funds will be used for upgrading equipment vital to the well-being of our firefighters and potential victims, specifically, portable and mobile radios. I appreciate the delegation’s efforts to support these types of critical needs in our community,” stated Manchester Mayor Jay Moran.

The grant is the 22nd firefighting grant awarded in Connecticut this year.

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