DeLauro Calls for Strong Funding for Firefighters

New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) called for strong federal funding of programs that support firefighters, focusing on the important Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Taken together these competitive grant programs ensure that we not only have the number of firefighters we needs, but that these firefighters have the training and equipment they need to safely protect our communities.

"Each and everyday our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our community and in return it is critical that we ensure they have the resources and the tools they need to protect our communities.

"In these difficult economic times, state and local budgets are stretched perilously thin, which means everyone, including firefighters and first responders are being asked to do more with less and forced to make cuts to services that should never be cut. That is why, Congress included funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to maintain essential services like firefighters—Connecticut will receive $80.7 million from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund for public safety purposes. It also includes $210 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for fire station construction and waves the cost-share – state or local matching funds – requirement for the Staffing for Adequate fire and Emergency Response grant program for the next two years.

"Whether it has been a new vehicle exhaust removal system for the South Fire District, Turn-Out Personal Protective Equipment for the Prospect Fire Department, or rescue boat, water suits and additional protective gear for firefighters in Beacon Falls, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant and the SAFER Grant have made a significant difference in the ability of our firefighters to do their jobs. I commend Senator Dodd for amending the budget to ensure these two programs are adequately funded in the coming years and for his leadership on this issue. It is critical that we ensure these programs receive the critical resource they need so that we can make sure our firefighters and our communities are as prepared as possible should an emergency arise and that they have the tools they need to safely protect our families and our homes."