Homeland Security Grant

Homeland Security Grants Awarded To Four Local Fire Departments

Willington, Chester, Stafford, and Willimantic Receive Total Of $356,506

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded #356,506 to four dire departments in Connecticut's Second Congressional District. $45,635 was awarded to the Willington Fire Department Inc. #1, $85,050 to the Chester Hose Company Inc., $118,197 to the Stafford Fire Department No. 1 Inc., and $107,624 to the Willimantic Fire Department.

Simmons said, "These federal grants will be used for firefighter training and equipment. Eastern Connecticut's fire personnel are second to none and deserve these much-needed dollars to help protect our neighborhoods and families."

These grants fall under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program established under the 2001 National Defense Authorization. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Simmons helped create the FIRE Act. Funds from this program provide federal grants directly to local fire departments the help address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighting-related needs to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations. Since 2002, Connecticut's Second Congressional District has received a total of $8.6 million in FIRE grants.

Dave Lucia of the Stafford Fire Department said, "Thanks to Congressman Simmons we will be able to purchase new turnout gear, bunker gear, air packs and portable generators amongst other things. We applied a year or two ago and were unsuccessful so news of this award is absolutely fantastic."

Simmons concluded, "With nearly $8.6 million awarded to fire departments throughout the Second District since 2002, it is clear that eastern Connecticut's communities have benefited tremendously from this federal program. We must keep these dollars coming to ensure our neighborhoods and families are protected. In Congress, I will continue to fight to fully fund the FIRE Act and continue to support Connecticut's first responders."

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