DeLauro Applauds Grant for Stratford Fire Department

Will Receive Over $44,000 for Thermal Imaging Cameras, Rescue Tools

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today applauded the announcement the Stratford Fire Department is receiving a $44,588 grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant, made through the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) program will be used to purchase thermal imaging cameras and rescue tools.

“Ensuring first responders have necessary equipment is crucial to protecting not only the public, but the brave men and women who rush into buildings when others are rushing out,” DeLauro said. “Too many families know all too well how quickly fires can spread throughout their home and how critical it is for firefighters to have the necessary gear to save anyone who might be inside. This grant will keep people in Stratford safer and better prepare their first responders for the dangerous and lifesaving work they so ably do.”

Stratford Fire Chief Robert McGrath stressed the importance of the grant in improving the Department's ability to conduct rescues. "The department will now be able to replace three obsolete thermal imaging cameras purchased over a decade ago. These new cameras will allow our firefighters to see through smoke and use heat signatures to find and rescue trapped occupants in a structure fire, as well as in outdoor environments like marshes and rivers. The new air bag devices will allow firefighters to move heavy objects at motor vehicle and industrial accidents so that we can rescue entrapped victims even faster. We are extremely thankful to the Assistance to Firefighters program for giving us the means to continue improving our department's operations and supporting our mission to save lives."


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