Courtney announces $122,987 grant for New London Fire Department

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that the New London Fire Department secured a $122,987 grant through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The funding will be used for safety and training programs.

"This critical funding will keep New London firefighters safe in dangerous situations, and will help them recover more quickly," said Congressman Courtney. "This targeted assistance not only protects our firefighters, but it helps them better serve our communities. Chief Samul and the entire department deserve tremendous credit for securing these competitive grants in a tough funding environment."

The grant will be used to purchase new fitness equipment, and will support the training of a Rapid Intervention Team – a group of firefighters dedicated solely to search and rescue of other firefighters in distress.

"Two summers ago, we lost two Bridgeport firefighters in a catastrophic fire," said Chief Ronald Samul. "The report after the fire showed that we need to do a better job preparing our firefighters, including physical fitness and training. This grant focuses on training and emergency response, and it will provide us with equipment we need to support firefighter safety."

Congressman Courtney has consistently supported additional funding for AFG Program since his arrival in Congress. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $4.6 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

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