DeLauro Joins West Haven Leaders to Announce More Than $1.2 Million for West Haven Fire Department

Press Release

NEW HAVEN, CT --House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, West Haven Center Fire Station Chief James P. O'Brien, West Haven Allingtown Fire Station Chief Michael Terenzio, West Shore Fire Chief Stephen Scafariello, West Haven Grants Administrator Doug Coulter, and DHS/FEMA Regional Fire Program Specialist David L. Parr to announce four Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for the West Haven Fire Department totaling $1,231,019.

The West Haven Fire Department received the following grants:

West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown District received a federal share of $373,636 for rapid intervention air packs and firefighter breathing apparatuses
West Shore Fire District received $39,333 for diesel fume exhaust systems for two fire stations
West Haven Fire Department received $545,454 for a new pumper engine
West Haven Fire Department received $272,595 for an air compressor system and firefighter training
"I am proud to join City of West Haven leaders and firefighters in celebrating more than $1.2 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Connecticut's firefighters and first responders dedicate their lives to protecting and strengthening our communities, and they deserve all the support and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. With state and local budgets stretched thin, these federal grants help equip our first responders with life-saving training and technologies to keep our families safe. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I will always be committed to making sure our first responders have the resources and federal support they need and deserve. That is why the Appropriations Committee approved a ten million dollar increase in the bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security next year. I thank the West Haven Fire Department for keeping our community safe and am proud to have secured this critical support."

"The efficacy in firefighting is heavily reliant on a team effort," said West Haven Allingtown Fire Station Chief Michael Terenzio. "This team effort not only applies to the men and women whose "boots are on the ground' in responding to emergencies, but includes the tireless efforts of local, state, and federal community leaders and officials that assist departments by making grant funding available and guiding departments through the process."

Three other fire departments in Connecticut's Third Congressional District were also awarded AFG:

East Haven Fire Department received $98,181.82 for thermal imaging cameras
Stratford Fire Department received $60,891.41 for a smoke alarm installation program targeting the elderly and hearing impaired
Guilford Fire Department received $332,215.05 for technical rescue training
An AFG is a competitive grant awarded directly to fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders. Fire departments and EMS organizations can use these grants to purchase emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training materials.

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