FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2007

HARTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES FEDERAL FIRE GRANT

HARTFORD � U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today announced a federal grant award of $601,000 to the City of Hartford from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program at the Hartford Fire Department Headquarters. Larson, who wrote to the Department of Homeland Security in support of the grant, and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Region 1 Administrator Art Cleaves presented Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez and Hartford Police Chief Charles Teale with a mock check representing the grant in front of the outdated 100 foot ladder truck that will be replaced with the funding.

Larson stated, �I�m pleased to join Administrator Cleaves in presenting this award to Mayor Perez and Chief Teale for the City of Hartford. The new Tower Ladder that will be purchased with these funds will provide city residents with additional peace of mind knowing that the fire department is equipped with the latest technology. I have been a long time supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program because I have seen how it benefits cities like Hartford and improves local public safety.�

Chief Teale stated, �This grant will be utilized to help purchase a new Tower Ladder. The apparatus it will replace was purchased in 1979. At 28 years of age it does not adequately protect the Firefighters on the apparatus and is prone to frequent breakdowns, which presents a danger to citizens who rely on a timely response. This funding will greatly enhance our ability to respond to emergencies region wide and will allow the Department to otherwise allocate financial resources for Fire Prevention purposes. The Assistance to Firefighter Grant program has aided the Hartford Fire Department in the past as we pursued the resources necessary to be of service to the residents of our City but this allocation is unparallel in the 218 year history of our organization. This will go a long way as we face the challenges related to maintaining our Class 1 rating. I would like to thank Congressman Larson for his continued diligence and dedication when it comes to saving lives and protecting property.�

 

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