Congressman Larson Announces Federal Grant to Hartford Fire Department

Largest Grant Ever Received by an Area Fire Department

Hartford, CT-Today, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the Hartford Fire Department will receive a federal grant of $800,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

The funding, the largest fire grant received by an area fire department in the eight year history of the program, will be used to upgrade the Hazmat capabilities of the department on both the operational and  technician levels. The fire department will become certified to aggressively stop the release or potential release of hazardous material.

This grant is in addition to the grant announced in January to the Hartford Fire Department for $240,800 toward the purchase of a new fire pumper.

 "I am proud to announce the Hartford Fire Department will receive the largest fire grant this area has received in the history of the program.  With the funding, the city will increase their ability to aggressively respond and react to hazardous material accidents," said Larson. "According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2008, Connecticut ranked second in New England in Hazmat incidents, more than New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont combined. We must ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters by providing them with the necessary equipment and training to manage hazardous material incidents."

Hartford Fire Chief Charles A. Teale said, "With the resources acquired through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, the Hartford Fire Department has received worldwide recognition in the field of geographical information systems and last month renewed our Class 1 rating through the Insurances Services Office.  Our most recent award symbolizes a paradigm shift in the level of protection available for Hazardous Material response. I would like to personally thank Congressman John Larson for his efforts.  Because of him, a safer more effective means of saving lives will soon be possible through the Great Hartford Fire Department."

The Assistance to Firefighters program provides grants and funding for training and equipment for our nation's fire departments and first responders.

 "The men and women who serve and protect our communities and families deserve our support and admiration. I will continue to support the Assistance to Firefighters grant program, as it enhances the security of the residents, and the response capabilities of the first responders in Hartford and throughout the First Congressional District," said Larson

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