U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the House of Representatives for voting in favor of broad legislation focused on making targeted investments in our nation’s homeland security and public safety priorities.

For Immediate Release

October 16, 2009

Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888

Larson’s Public Safety Priority for Torrington Passes The House

Washington D.C.-U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the House of Representatives for voting in favor of broad legislation focused on making targeted investments in our nation’s homeland security and public safety priorities. Included in legislation was $400,000 to the City of Torrington to expand its existing  Emergency Operations Center to better serve the city, Litchfield County, and the northwestern Connecticut region.

“Upgrading Torrington’s emergency operation center will improve the coordination of the city’s first responders during emergencies and ensure the safety of residents in the city and its surrounding towns,” said Congressman Larson.

Under current mutual aid agreements, Torrington’s Police and Fire Departments routinely respond to calls for service in over a dozen other cities and towns in the northwest Connecticut region.  Additional funding will help expand and improve the City of Torrington’s emergency response communications system, enabling better field communication between law enforcement, fire and other public safety agencies within the city departments and neighboring towns.

Congressman Larson worked with Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-05) to help secure funding for the city’s emergency operations center.

The Conference Report of House-Senate FY 10 Homeland Security Appropriations Act will invest in top priority homeland security programs that will keep Americans safe , including programs that secure our borders, ports and airports, and help train local first responders and emergency personnel. It includes over $3 billion in grants for local municipalities to protect critical infrastructure in high-threat areas, help local fire departments and upgrade central command facilities.

The Senate will take up the legislation in the coming weeks, the last step before the bill is signed into law by the President.

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