Blumenthal & Murphy Announce Federal Grants for Local Fire Departments & Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

[HARTFORD, CT] — Today, U.S Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced $210,300 in federal funding for Connecticut fire departments and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation public works departments.

The U.S. Department of Agricultural Rural Development grants will help communities in Connecticut upgrade aging firefighting and public works equipment. The towns of Winchester and Thompson will receive grants, as well as the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

“These are well deserved awards to help protect first responders and our communities. Every day, firefighters risk their lives to protect ours and they deserve the best equipment available to do so. The same goes for our Public Works Departments that work tirelessly to keep our towns and cities running smoothly every day. We are pleased to see this funding delivered to Connecticut and will keep fighting for more of these resources for our state,” Blumenthal and Murphy said.

The Winchester Volunteer Fire Department will receive $90,000 to purchase a tanker pumper truck that will improve operations, safety and be easier to maintain than the 1971 truck currently in use.

The Thompson Fire Engine Company will receive $50,000 to fund the replacement of expired breathing apparatuses used in firefighting and hazardous materials exposures. The new equipment will ensure Thompson volunteer firefighters are properly outfitted when they respond to calls.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will receive $70,300 to purchase a new emergency backup generator for their Public Works Department, replacing one that is outdated and unfit to serve the tribal government’s needs.

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