WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced that the Branford Fire Department received a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $202,500. The funding was administered through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which ensures local firefighters have the resources necessary to protect their communities.

“Our local first responders need up-to-date equipment and training so they can continue their work protecting our communities and saving lives,” said DeLauro. “I congratulate the Branford Fire Department for being awarded this competitive grant.”

“The funding will allow our department to replace an old, inefficient fire/rescue boat with a state-of-the-art vessel, capable of fast fire attack, rescue and transport of sick or injured persons,” said Chief Jack Ahern. “The new vessel will result in added overall security along the Connecticut shoreline.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants on a rolling basis throughout the year to fire departments. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Domestic Preparedness received over 20,000 requests for funding, totaling over $2.6 billion. In 2004, the program had $750 million to allocate.