For Immediate Release

DODD, LIEBERMAN ANNOUNCE GRANTS FOR CONNECTICUT FIRE DEPARTMENTS
First responders to receive more than $300,000 for improved operations and safety

October 11, 2002

Washington, D.C. — As communities around the country observe National Fire Prevention Week October 6-12, Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman today announced that seven Connecticut fire departments will receive more than $300,000 under the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act. This round of awards is the seventh in a series that will continue throughout this fall.

"Just as we wouldn't send our armed forces into the field without the best weapons, we shouldn't allow firefighters to battle blazes with secondhand equipment," said Dodd. "This assistance can ensure they have the tools they need to do a very difficult job."

"Firefighters and other first responders make up the front lines in our homeland defense and our war on terrorism," Lieberman said. "Just as we're working in Washington to better coordinate federal homeland security resources, we must ensure that our local emergency responders have adequate resources to maintain the security of Connecticut's towns."

The Connecticut fire departments that will receive funds for improved firefighter safety and operations include:

  • Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - $73,888;
  • Colebrook Volunteer Fire Department (Winsted) - $67,209;
  • Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service - $56,560;
  • New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department - $30,600;
  • Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Company No.1 - $31,339;
  • Poquonnock Bridge Fire District (Groton) - $33,214; and
  • Eastford Independent Fire Company No. 1 - $19,139.

More than $360 million in grants will be distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aimed at addressing training, equipment, and fitness needs of fire departments across the country. The awards were made possible by legislation to assist firefighters, authored by Dodd and enacted into law in 2000, which provides local fire departments the ability to purchase new equipment, hire new personnel, and initiate education and training programs. Since the FIRE Act was enacted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed over 4600 grants for a total of more than $260 million to help fire departments across the country strengthen their response capabilities.

Last month, Dodd and Lieberman joined Congressman John Larson to introduce legislation that would prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from taxing the compensation awarded to local volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders for service to their communities.