The vans will be outfitted with protective suits, meters and other equipment for use by emergency personnel in the event of a chemical spill, hazardous waste incident or terrorist attack.

"It's impossible to place a value on the service that these vans will provide," said Mayor John M. Fabrizi.

"Residents and business owners will benefit, and these vehicles may be used on a statewide and interstate basis," the mayor said.

Each van will carry up to 25 "Haz-Mat" suits, ranging in levels of protection. One van will be assigned to the city's on-call Haz-Mat officer, while the second will travel with the Bridgeport Decontamination Trailer, one of 14 in the state, is deployed.

The trailer is used to decontaminate firefighters, police officers or others dispatched to the scene of a potentially hazardous incident.

"Aquarion is extremely concerned for the safety of its customers. It's gratifying to know that our donations are assisting our service in this regard," said Charles Firlotte, chairman and chief executive officer for Aquarion.

STRATFORD

Feds pledge funds to fire, police units

The town's public safety departments will receive an infusion of federal money.

The Fire Department has been awarded nearly $61,000 from the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Program, which will be used for fitness equipment. In addition to the grant, the town has agreed to match nearly $6,800 in funding, half of which will be paid by the Stratford International Association of Fire Fighters Local 998, Town Manager Benjamin Branyan said. The Police Department will receive a grant of nearly $22,000 from the federal Department of Justice which will be used to purchase equipment for investigations and prosecutions, Branyan said.