Courtney Announces $182,559 in Federal Grants for Willimantic Fire Department, Montville Volunteer Fire Company

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that the Willimantic Fire Department and Montville Volunteer Fire Company have secured $82,809 and $99,750, respectively, in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. The grants will be used to enhance operations and safety at each department.

"Our firefighters, police officers, EMTs and other first responders are on the front lines in keeping our communities safe," said Congressman Courtney. "With tightening budgets and expanding responsibilities, it is critical that we ensure that these brave men and women have the resources they need to do their job. The fact that these two departments were able to secure these grants in such a competitive environment is a testament to their hard work keeping their towns safe."

"In these difficult economic times, this program provides needed funding to our fire departments to assist them in keeping our communities safe," said Montville Mayor Joe Jaskiewicz. "I thank the Congressman for his efforts and support for this program."

The two grants come 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 in February led the fight in the House of Representatives to protect the program from Republican-sponsored budget cuts.

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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