Federal grants to aid Connecticut fire departments

Fire departments in Middletown, Manchester, Bristol, and Southington, Conn., have been awarded more than $595,000 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG).

“These grants represent the hard work and sacrifice of our firefighters and first responders in Middletown, Manchester, Bristol, Southington,” Rep. John B. Larson (D-CT), said. “I congratulate the men and women of these departments for the outstanding job they do protecting the towns they serve. This funding will ensure that these firefighters have the tools they need to respond to emergencies. The residents of these communities are safer because of these awards.”

For the last 18 years, the AFG program has helped fire departments and emergency medical service organizations obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources required to protect the public and first responders from fire and other emergencies.

The South Fire District in Middletown will receive $27,028.57 for firefighting hoses and nozzles and Manchester will receive $265,841.81 for firefighter breathing apparatuses. Bristol will receive $134,702.72 for Fire Officer and Fire Instructor training programs and Southington will receive $168,181.81 for technical rescue training.