Blumenthal, Murphy, Larson Announce Federal Grant to Manchester for Firefighter Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses

(Hartford, CT) - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Congressman John Larson (D-1), today announced a $280,000 federal grant to the Manchester Fire Department, Eighth Utilities District for 42 self-contained breathing apparatuses and 84 air bottles to ensure that local firefighters can breathe, communicate and safely exit structures during fires and emergencies.

The grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

The modern self-contained breathing apparatuses include new face piece lenses to improve firefighters’ abilities to communicate with one another, as well as to help them exit structures in the most efficient way possible. The equipment also includes a down or disoriented firefighter locating system, which has the ability to track the firefighters’ movements to ensure that they are always accounted for.

“The ability to breathe, communicate, and safely exit burning and compromised structures is paramount to the safety of our firefighters. Our brave first responders deserve the most updated and efficient gear to ensure their safety and the safety of the communities they serve. This grant will provide the funds necessary to purchase 42 self-contained breathing apparatuses and 84 air bottles, better protecting Manchester firefighters as they work to save the lives of the residents who depend on them,” Blumenthal, Murphy, and Larson stated.

“The Manchester Fire Department, Eighth Utilities District will receive the grant during the first round disbursement and will utilize the funding to replace all of the department’s aging self-contained breathing apparatus. This equipment upgrade will dramatically enhance firefighter safety while easing the financial burden on the residents of the Eighth Utilities District,” said Chief Don Moore of the Manchester Fire Department Eighth Utilities District.

“I want to thank the delegation for working hard to get us this grant. This equipment will help our firefighters save lives, and protect the lives of our first responders as they are out there in the community,” stated Mayor Jay Moran of Manchester.