Courtney announces $195,435 grant for Vernon Volunteer Fire Department

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, has secured $195,435 in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. The grant will be used to purchase new protective gear and rescue equipment.

“Federal grants are critical in ensuring that our firefighters have the resources they need to keep our towns safe,” said Courtney. “The fact that the Vernon Fire Department was able to secure this grant in such a competitive environment is a testament to their hard work keeping their town safe.”

The Department’s grant is from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Funding from this program can be used for training firefighters and acquiring equipment and vehicles.

Rep. Courtney has consistently supported additional funding for AFG, and last month led the fight in the House of Representatives to protect the program from Republican-sponsored budget cuts.

"This federal grant award will advance our Fire Department’s mission to save lives and protect property for the residents that we serve,” said Jason L. McCoy, Mayor of the Town of Vernon.

According to Michael J. Purcaro, Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Vernon, "The equipment that will be purchased through this award will strengthen our Town’s emergency response capabilities and enhance firefighter safety.”

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.