Fire Departments In Groton, New London Receive Grants

Published on 2/10/200

Connecticut's congressional delegation delivered more than $200,000 in funding for two local fire departments, U.S. Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman and U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons announced Wednesday.

The Center Groton Fire Department received $124,857 for coats, pants and boots that firefighters wear when they respond to structure fires. Chief Jim Wilson said the new equipment would replace obsolete turnout gear. He said the department would also purchase additional breathing apparatus.

New London will fill a variety of equipment needs with $86,724, Chief Ronald Samul said.

“I thank our representative,” Samul said, referring to Simmons. “Without these funds we would never be able to get the equipment we need in today's budget crisis.”

The grants came from the FIRE Act, 2000 legislation administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Fire departments in Columbia, Kensington, Glastonbury and Washington also received funding in the package, which totaled more that $436,000.

First responders are there to protect us in a time of crisis, Lieberman said. “ The least we can do is provide them the resources they need to serve our communities.”