Larson, DeLauro Announce $1.1 Million in Federal Funding for Middletown Fire Department

“As the son of a firefighter, I know how hard our firefighters work every day to keep our communities safe,” said Larson. “I was proud to work with Mayor Nocera and Chief Albert to deliver more than $1 million in federal funding for the Middletown Fire Department to ensure full staffing across the entire city and fund critical training for every firefighter. 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.” 

“Middletown’s firefighters selflessly dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe, but they need full staffing and adequate resources to be able to continue to do their jobs,” said DeLauro. “I’m proud that over $1.1 million in federal funding will support the hiring of four additional firefighters and life-saving training for all firefighters in Middletown, increasing the number of trained, front-line first responders. As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to fight for additional resources for Connecticut’s first responders.” 

The Middletown Fire Department was awarded: 

"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. 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. We are grateful for Congressman Larson’s leadership and advocacy, and for our entire delegation’s continued partnership in delivering meaningful resources to our city,” said Mayor Gene Nocera. 

"We are grateful to Congressman Larson and our delegation for securing this funding, and their ongoing support of the fire service,” said State Senator Matt Lesser. 

Rep. Larson, Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and Rep. DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, helped secure this funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding package.  

"I am proud to acknowledge one of the single most important federal grants that will have a direct and lasting impact on public safety. With the SAFER grant we will enhance our staff quarters, ensure more firefighters are on duty, and staff our apparatus appropriately, thus increasing safety for both personnel and residents of the city. We also received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to provide enhanced training to our entire department, ensuring every firefighter is prepared to act safely and effectively in complex rescue situations,” said Middletown Fire Chief David Albert. 

“These SAFER and AFG grants represent a critical investment in the safety of the Middletown community,” said Peter Brown, President of the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut. “Hiring four additional firefighters and providing department-wide training will directly improve emergency response times and enhance firefighter and public safety.  For decades, these programs have provided billions in funding to fire departments all over the country and in Connecticut, they have led to the hiring of dozens of new firefighters and the purchasing of essential fire equipment. We thank Representative Larson and our entire federal delegation for their ongoing commitment to fighting for these crucial funds for our fire departments.” 

Larson and DeLauro worked with their colleagues in Congress to create the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) programs that directly provide federal funding to local fire departments across the nation, including the grants for Middletown that were announced today. 

Photos from today’s press conference can be viewed HERE.