Courtney Touts Federal Grant Funding To Support The Hiring Of New Fire Fighters In New London
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) touted newly awarded federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA Region I that will support the hiring of the three new firefighters in New London. The total federal share for a three-year period is $488,942. The grant will need to be matched by funding from the City of New London.
"This grant funding is great news for the New London Fire Department," said Courtney. "Not only does the New London Fire Department oversee one of the most densely populated municipalities in eastern Connecticut, it also supports the operations of departments in other local communities across our region through mutual-aid. They are also responsible for protecting a large stock of older homes and buildings that necessitate a larger and better-equipped force than departments serving other communities. I commend Mayor Michael Passero and Fire Chief Henry Kydd, Jr. for working closely with my office during the grant application process. Their support was critical in helping to secure this award."
Michael Passero, Mayor of New London, said, "I am very pleased that New London has been awarded this critical funding through the federal SAFER program to support the hiring new firefighters for our department. With our economic recovery in full swing and a thriving local housing market, our city needs more firefighters on the front lines to meet the growing demands being placed on the department. I would like to thank Congressman Courtney for supporting our grant application and advocating on behalf of our city to obtain this award."
Henry Kydd, Jr., Fire Chief for the New London Fire Department, said, "Anytime that we can get grant funding to assist with personnel it helps relieve some of the economic burdens locally while providing an enormous benefit to our community."
This funding is part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants program (SAFER). This program was created in order to channel federal grant funding directly to local fire departments and volunteer fire departments to support the hiring and training of new ‘front line' firefighters. The goal of the program is to assist local fire departments with meeting their staffing requirements and improving service for local communities. The SAFER program requires a 25% local match in the first two years and 65% match in the third and final year.
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