Middletown, West Haven get $1.4M as part of $6.6M awarded to CT fire departments in 2025-26
Fire departments in 21 cities and towns got a boost in their budgets after receiving a share of $6.6 million in federal funds in 2025 and 2026.
The two most recent awards totaling $1.4 million went to Middletown and West Haven to hire additional firefighters and purchase equipment.
The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, and Assistance to Firefighters Grants programs. Recipients included: Branford, Colchester, Derby, East Hartford, East Haven, Enfield, Groton, Guilford, Madison, Middletown, Milford, New London, Oakdale, Old Lyme, Scotland, Stamford, Stratford, Terryville, Waterbury, West Haven and Wilton.
The awards ranged from $22,363 to $868,571, and cover the costs of training, new hires and equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, power lift systems, hoses, nozzles, breathing air compressor/fill stations, and cardiac monitors.
For example, earlier this month Middletown received $1.18 million to add four new firefighters and provide annual vehicle training for the entire department.
“This grant will directly strengthen our fire department by supporting adequate staffing levels, ensuring faster response times, improved emergency coverage, and enhanced safety for both residents and first responders,” stated Mayor Gene Nocera in prepared remarks. “At a time when municipalities across the country are facing significant budget pressures, this federal support allows Middletown to maintain high-quality emergency services without placing additional strain on local taxpayers.”
U.S. Rep. John Larson D-1st District, and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro D-3rd District, ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, worked with the cities to secure the funding, according to a press statement announcing the grants.
“As the son of a firefighter, I know how hard our firefighters work every day to keep our communities safe,” Larson said in prepared remarks. “As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I will continue to work with our local partners to support our first responders and the safety of every community.”
DeLauro joined West Haven firefighters last week to announce a $384,924 award to support technical rescue training for firefighters, a fire apparatus driver/operator for an engine, another driver for an aerial ladder, and three new cardiac monitors. DeLauro announced $3.2 million in federal funding was secured for the 3rd District last year.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” DeLauro said through a spokesperson. “They deserve all of the equipment, training, and staffing they need to be able to do their jobs effectively. Federal grants like AFG and SAFER enable local fire departments to access essential resources and to hire additional staff that they would otherwise be unable to afford — helping them better protect the public."
Lawmakers and state fire officials said the funding helps fill budget gaps at a time when fire departments face steep increases in the costs of fire trucks, equipment and overtime and health care concerns.
“Apparatus purchasing service and repair are not optional for us,” Connecticut Fire Chief Association Vice President Greg Priest told CT Insider. “Across the country, fire departments are facing extraordinary challenges in retention, recruiting, cancer rates and other pressures.”
The program has provided billions to fire departments nationwide and in Connecticut and have led to hiring dozens of new firefighters and the purchasing of essential fire equipment, said Peter Brown, president of the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut.
Middletown Fire Chief David Albert said the $1.1 million will improve firefighters quarters, ensure more firefighters are on duty and apparatus is appropriately staffed thus increasing safety for both personnel and residents of the city. About $860,000 is earmarked for the four additional firefighters, and $259,600 for the annual vehicle training.
“The enhanced training to our entire department ensures every firefighter is prepared to act safely and effectively in complex situations,” Albert said.