West Hartford Fire Department Receives Homeland Security Grant

The has been awarded a $103,200 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman and Sen.Richard Blumenthal, and Congressman John Larson (D-1st District) announced the awarding of the operations and safety grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program (AFG) on Wednesday.

Blumenthal and Larson both just after the October storm, and had the opportunity to observe the Town's public safety commitment. Larson also toured West Hartford's devastated landscape that morning with Mayor Scott Slifka and then-Captain Tracey of the West Hartford Police Department.

“Firefighters are crucial defenders of our safety and security,” Lieberman said in a release. “Even in times such as these, when our nation’s wallet is stretched to its limit, we need to make smart investments and supporting our first responders certainly falls into that category.”

Blumenthal said in a release, "These grants will go a long way in supporting Connecticut's brave fire fighters in West Hartford by providing them with the necessary tools to keep our communities safe from fire-related hazards. First responders put their lives on the line each day, and we owe it to them to ensure that they are outfitted with the right tools and the proper safety equipment."

Larson said in the release announcing the grant, “Just observing the yeoman’s effort last October during that terrible storm only serves as a reminder of how important our local fire departments are ... These brave individuals deserve the best equipment possible and I look forward to continuing to work with West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka to give his department the tools needed so they can continue to do the fantastic work we have come to expect.”