Bridgeport Fire Department to Receive $240,000 Fire Grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Fairfield, CT – Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Bridgeport Fire Department a $240,000 Fire Grant.

The funding will purchase 200 new sets of turnout gear for line firefighters. This gear is the latest, safest, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) turnout gear available for the protection of the firefighters. This gear will equip more than 75 percent of the department.

Bridgeport is the busiest Fire Department in Connecticut.

“The demands on Bridgeport’s fire firefighters – and therefore their fire equipment – is huge,” Shays said. “This funding will help replace old equipment and provide the latest gear for over three-quarters of the Department. I am grateful for this support.”

“Investing in public safety is a top priority and we are grateful to our federal delegation for working with us to secure this funding,” stated Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi. “These funds will go a long way in upgrading the City's fire protection gear and will ensure that our first responders are well protected as they enter harm's way.”

“We are thrilled and excited to receive this grant to purchase 200 new sets of turnout gear for our firefighters,” said Bridgeport Fire Chief Brian Rooney. “If Bridgeport had to purchase this equipment on its own it would take years to outfit the Department. This grant allows us to buy the latest, safest gear for a majority of our line staff all at once replacing the old gear that we are currently using.”

Shays made the announcement at anAssistance to FirefightersGrant Workshop which he hosted this morning. It took place at the Fairfield Regional Fire Schoolwhere a representative from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided application strategies to local Fire Chiefs and grantwriters.

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Office of Grants and Training in the Department of Homeland Security administers the grants in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. For fiscal year 2005, Congress reauthorized the Assistance to Firefighters Grants for an additional 5 years through 2010.

For more information, please visit http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/.

Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541

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