Larson, Bysiewicz, Zoppo-Sassu Announce $3.15 Million in Federal Funding to Construct First Active Shooter Training Facility for First Responders in New England
Bristol, CT – Last night, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced $3.15 million in new federal funding for the Bristol Fire and Police Department, to construct the first active shooter training facility for first responders in New England. He joined Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, and State Rep. Mary Fortier at Bristol City Hall to announce this landmark investment in training and support for police officers and firefighters from across the Northeast.
View the full press conference here.
Larson requested funding for the new facility as part of this year’s Community Project Funding (CPF) process, securing bipartisan support for the project in the House and Senate.
“Nobody should have to respond to an active shooter situation, but it’s a devastating reality that our first responders have to grapple with in today’s world,” said Larson. “I know that first responder safety is an issue close to all our hearts after we lost two members of the Bristol Police Department to horrific violence only four years ago. I was proud to work with our state and local partners to secure this new federal funding, to build the first-of-its-kind active shooter training facility in New England. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for our dedicated firefighters and police officers, support local projects that boost public safety, and fight to end the gun violence epidemic plaguing our nation.”
"This investment is about protecting lives and strengthening our communities," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "By building the first active shooter training facility in New England, we are giving our first responders the tools and training they need to act swiftly and effectively in the most critical moments. Connecticut is proud to lead the way in ensuring that when emergencies happen, law enforcement is trained and ready."
The $3.15 million approved by Congress will support the construction of a two-story active shooter training facility along with a 50-yard indoor police firing range, and a Candidate Physical Agility Test Center (CPAT) to offer training and mentoring for firefighters from across the Northeast.
“The City of Bristol officials appreciate Congressman Larson’s initiative to get these earmark funds to start off the process of planning for this regional, joint police and fire training facility,” said Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. “From here, we will begin our due diligence on locating an appropriate site and site plan, and building an expense and revenue profile. We have asked State Rep. Fortier and Hoxha to champion this in Hartford, and hope that state officials see the benefit of having a facility such as this in central Connecticut.”
Once complete, the facility in Bristol will be the first-such active shooter training center for police officers in New England, as well as Connecticut’s first indoor CPAT center open to firefighters around-the-clock or during inclement weather.