Larson Applauds DHS Grants to East and West Hartford Fire Departments

Hartford, CT – On September 2, 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the West Hartford Fire Department and Town of East Hartford Fire Department were among the recipients of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) awards. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) said the following:

“Congratulations to both Chief John Oates and Chief Gary Allyn, as well as the dedicated men and women of the East Hartford and West Hartford Fire Departments,” said Larson. “Our firefighters provide a vital service to our communities, often at the risk of their own lives. With these grants, they will have access to additional equipment and training to maintain their fitness and improve their safety. As many of our firefighters continue to age and too many of our departments go understaffed, it is crucial that we invest in the people who throw themselves into harm’s way for the sake of our communities.”

The Town of East Hartford Fire Department will use its$47,760 grant towards the purchase of physical fitness equipment to improve and maintain firefighter fitness. The West Hartford Fire Department will utilize its$147,710 award for specialized technical rescue training and equipment, including air bags, air powered cutters, and hydraulic rescue tools.

###