March 4, 2009

Contact: Paul Mounds/860-278-8888

Hartford, CT -U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced today that the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department will receive a federal grant award of $35,910 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

With the funding, Winsted will be able to retrofit its firehouses with a diesel exhaust extraction system designed to protect the fire fighters and the surrounding community from airborne contamination. The installation of the system will make the department compliant with U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Congressman Larson supported Winsted's application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

"I'm pleased to announce this federal funding award to the Town of Winsted and its fire department.  First responders deserve our support and admiration for their tireless work on behalf of our families and our communities," said Larson.  "Every day, workers and citizens across the nation are exposed to the dangers of diesel exhaust. This funding will protect the firefighters and the communities surrounding the fire department from the adverse health effects caused by this invasive airborne containment." 

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides the necessary funding to allow firefighters to do their job safely.  I continue to support the funding of this vital and necessary program."

According to OSHA, individuals exposed to diesel exhaust can face the risk of health effects ranging from headaches and nausea to cancer and respiratory disease.

Please click here for a fact sheet on the Assistance to Firefighters Program.