Rosa L. DeLauro

01/30/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/30/2023 12:01

DeLauro Announces $927,334 in Assistance to Firefighter Grant Funding for City of West Haven Fire Department

WEST HAVEN, CT - Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro announced $927,333.86 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant funding for the City of West Haven Fire Department for mobile, portable, and base radios to enhance existing firefighting abilities and strengthen protection of the people of Connecticut's Third Congressional District. The award will also benefit the West Shore Fire District and Allingtown Fire District.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line and deserve to have the most up-to-date equipment and resources available to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "With state and local budgets stretched thin, these federal grants help equip our first responders with life-saving training and technologies to keep us safe. These critical grants will prepare our first responders for the lifesaving work of fighting and preventing fires. This federal funding plays an important role in guaranteeing they have the tools to protect themselves and the health and safety of the public."

"I would like to convey to Congresswoman DeLauro how much I, as the entire fire service does, appreciate all of her efforts in securing much needed additional funding to purchase vital equipment needed for fire departments to meet their mission goals," said City of West Haven-Allingtown Fire Department Fire Chief Michael R. Terenzio. "Brave men and women who become Firefighters are able to meet the challenges presented by emergencies they are called to mitigate by being properly and appropriately trained and equipped to do so. The funding we were just awarded will enable us to replace unsupported analogue radio equipment that is experiencing communications gaps during firefighting operations within structures and challenge communications efficacy to outside command staff. The new digital technology equipment that will be purchased with this funding will ensure our forces are provided with the most effective communications necessary for coordinating emergency operations and routine incidents, that involve firefighters and civilians' safety while in IDLH atmospheres. The portable two-way radio that each firefighter is equipped to carry with them into life threatening atmospheres and situations during emergencies at times; is their only lifeline to communicate with outside resources for assistance. The new equipment that will be purchased with this funding will increase the reliability and operational effectiveness of our operations."

This funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will support the following projects:

  • The City of West Haven Fire Department received $927,333.86 for mobile, portable, and base radios.

The AFG program is part of a coordinated ongoing effort by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to improve the nation's ability to respond to emergency situations.

###