Courtney Announces Federal Funding to Replace Essex Fire Department Vessel

Norwich, CT – Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) today announced that the US Department of Homeland Security awarded a $278,000 federal grant to the Essex Fire Engine Company to replace an obsolete and inadequate emergency response vessel.

"Essex is a beautiful and important part of our region's maritime heritage and economy, and I am proud to have worked with local officials to win support for this important investment in the safety of the town's waters," Congressman Courtney said. "I applaud First Selectman Needleman, the fire department, fire marshal and all those who were a part of this initiative for their diligent work in earning this worthy recognition today."

"On behalf of Essex community, I am grateful to Congressman Courtney and the entire delegation for supporting us through the grant process," said Essex First Selectman and State Senator Norm Needleman. "This was our fourth attempt to secure this critical funding, and we are thrilled to be able to put this funding to good use to secure a new emergency response vessel that will make both Essex and the entire region safer. I want to express my gratitude to our Fire Marshall John Planas for his dedicated efforts in pulling this grant application together, as well as the fire department for persevering in its work to secure this new funding and this new boat."

The funding awarded today award will replace an unserviceable vessel currently utilized by the Essex Fire Engine Co. The new vessel is to be a 2019 Metalcraft Marine Firebrand 28.

In FY 2019, the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) provided $100,000,000 for transportation infrastructure security activities to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies required to provide port security services.

Congressman Courtney and his staff have worked closely with local officials to apply for and win this funding. In April, Congressman Courtney wrote to the Department of Homeland Security in support of the Essex application. Click here to read his letter.

###