FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2004

LARSON ANNOUNCES $44,100 FEDERAL GRANT FOR CROMWELL

HARTFORD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today announced that the Town of Cromwell has received a federal grant for $44,100 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant was awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters grant program, which is used to fund firefighting operations, training programs for firefighters, and to purchase equipment.

"This grant program is a valuable tool for fire departments across the nation," said Larson. "The funding helps cities and towns meet the needs of departments and firefighters as they serve our communities. Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical responders constitute the front lines in the effort to save lives and protect property and we must ensure they have all the support they need."

This grant is one of 81 announced in this round of funding. Since June 2003, approximately 8,500 fire departments have received over $679 million in Assistance to Firefighter grants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers the grant program, which is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.

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