Southington Fire Department Receives $720,000 in Federal Funding

The could soon gain some reinforcements, thanks in part to a $720,000 federal grant announced Friday.

U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Congressman John Larson announced $4,110,412 in federal SAFER grants to facilitate new firefighter positions at two Connecticut fire departments. The Hartford Fire Department and the Southington Fire Department were awarded $3,389,856 and $720,556 respectively to hire additional firefighters.

"I’m pleased that two Connecticut communities will receive a combined $4 million to improve their capabilities to respond to fire and fire-related hazards, and to improve their preparedness," Lieberman said. "The Southington and Hartford Fire Departments will be able to use these funds to hire and retain more firefighters, increasing the safety of all who live and work in these communities."

Awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) program, these grants help fire departments increase their number of trained “front line” firefighters available in their communities. Awarded to career, volunteer, and combination fire departments, SAFER grants help departments maintain 24-hour staffing and meet industry-minimum staffing standards

"These grants will go a long way in supporting Connecticut's brave firefighters by providing them with the necessary tools to keep our communities safe from fire-related hazards,” Blumenthal said. “First responders put their lives on the line each day, and we owe it to them to ensure that they are outfitted with the right tools and the proper safety equipment."

"Connecticut’s firefighters risk their lives to keep our homes, businesses, and families safe," said Larson. "As our first and only line of defense against fires and fire-related dangers, these brave individuals deserve the staff and resources they need to safely serve our communities. I look forward to working with our delegation to continue to provide the funding our fire departments need to continue the exceptional work we see from them every day."

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