East Hartford Fire Department receives grant for equipment

EAST HARTFORD — The town’s fire department will receive $875,000 in federal funding for essential equipment to help keep firefighters safe.

The grant is the largest amount of money the department has received from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

On Friday, town officials, members of the fire department, and state representatives gathered in front of the public safety complex to announce the funding.

“If it’s not for the competence, if it’s not for the thoroughness, if it’s not for the demonstrated need, and how you will put this to work in your community, it just simply doesn’t happen,” Rep. John Larson, D-1st District said, adding that the grant is “extraordinarily competitive.”

East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh said that the money would be used for 15 air packs, 10 CPR compression devices, and training for the whole department.

Walsh said it costs around $33,000 to properly and safely equip a firefighter. That cost includes a breathing apparatus, a portable radio, two sets of pants, two jackets, and a thermal imaging camera.

“While we place an extreme priority of our employee’s safety over the cost of it, it is a stressor for our community,” Walsh said. “That’s why today is a bit of a celebration.”

Fire Chief Kevin Munson said that the grant will not only allow firefighters to do their jobs safely, but it will give the town extra money to put in other places of need.

“In a tough and uncertain economic times, our council has to make tough financial decisions; where they put their money, how they spend it,” he added. “This money makes us markedly more efficient and produces a better product for the public.”

Munson also said that the training for the department is critical because of the younger individuals who want to become firefighters.

“This $875,000 grant means necessary training to keep our firefighters up with the new challenges they may face, better equipment to ensure they are safe on the job, and a safer community for all residents,” Larson said.