Connecticut Congressional Delegation Announces Federal Grant For New Pumper Truck For State Fire Training Academy

(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Congressional delegation today announced a $488,750 federal grant for the State Fire Training Academy to purchase a pumper truck to replace an outdated twenty year-old apparatus. The new pumper truck will allow newly trained firefighters from across the state to train with the most modern technology and equipment available, increasing firefighter safety, enhancing educational opportunities and reducing repair and maintenance costs.

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.

“Our brave firefighters deserve the safest and most up-to-date equipment available, both as they respond to fires and emergencies in our communities, and in training. This grant will ensure that the newly trained firefighters at the Academy have the opportunity to learn on the most advanced truck available, providing them the modern training they need to serve safely and effectively, while also exposing them to the equipment that they are most likely to use when responding to real emergencies. We will continue to fight for federal resources for all of our Connecticut first responders who risk their lives each day to protect our homes, businesses and families,” the delegation stated.

“The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection’s Commission on Fire Prevention and Control which operates the State Fire Training Academy is thrilled about this grant opportunity. We are proud to partner with the State’s congressional delegation and we are honored to receive this vehicle acquisition grant for a pumper truck in our first year of eligibility. With budget cuts impacting municipalities and state government, this grant gives DESPP Connecticut Fire Academy the opportunity to replace an older pumper truck which was difficult and expensive to maintain while expanding opportunities for fire service training. The ultimate beneficiaries of this grant are our students, Connecticut firefighters and the citizens they serve,” said State Fire Administrator Jeffrey Morrissette.

The grant is the 8th firefighting grant awarded in Connecticut for Fiscal Year 2013. Stamford received $1.05 million to hire six additional firefighters through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters grant programs administered by FEMA. Norwalk, Orange, Waterbury, Stafford Ambulance Association Inc. and the town of East Hartford also received grants to support operations and safety measures.