FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2003

LARSON ANNOUNCES FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FUNDING FOR BROAD BROOK

BROAD BROOK- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson today announced that the Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a federal Assistance to Firefighters grant in the amount of $40,000. The grant is for fire department operations and firefighter safety, which includes training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

Larson stated: "This grant will help protect the safety of Broad Brook's volunteer firefighters as well as give a boost to the general operations of the department. Firefighters as well as police officers and emergency medical personnel represent the front lines in the effort to keep our communities and our families safe and we must continue to ensure they receive the funding they need."

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and was one of 321 Assistance to Firefighters grants announced throughout the nation this week. Thus far in fiscal year 2003, more than $170 million has been awarded to about 2600 fire departments across the country.

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.

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