The equipment, including a communications system, rescue ropes, harnesses and a tripod-lifting system, will help firefighters respond to emergencies that include a person trapped in an underground pipe, an unconscious worker in a manhole or a person trapped in a construction area that does not have stairs or elevators.

"The Fairfield Fire Department is happy to work with our corporate neighbors to provide the services they need," Fire Chief Richard Felner said in a statement, adding that GE's grant to buy the equipment will benefit all businesses in town.

Because confined-space rescues are complex, additional training will be provided to firefighters.

Fire Capt. Scott Bisson, the officer in charge of special operations in town, said he is "excited about this partnership with GE and our ability to provide a better level of service to the community."

Brian Baker, manager of Fairfield facilities at GE, said GE appreciates that local firefighters were trained in such rescues and wants the $23,000 grant "to carry the confined-space training and response capability to the next level for the entire community."