DeLauro, First Responders Highlight Importance of DHS Funding To CT

WASHINGTON, DC—Joined by Guilford Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Vetre and Allingtown Fire Chief Peter Massaro, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today highlighted the importance of homeland security funding to Connecticut. Earlier this week DeLauro voted for legislation that ensured the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be funded through the end of the fiscal year. Republicans in Congress held that funding up for the last three months.

“Communities and first responders across Connecticut rely on homeland security funding to help offset the cost of equipment, protective gear, hiring and training first responders, and prevention measures. Using DHS as a hostage to try to extract concessions from the President on immigration is unacceptable. A political battle cannot be allowed to override our citizens’ fundamental need for safety and security.”

Over the last three fiscal years, fire departments in Connecticut’s Third Congressional District have received almost $3.3 million through the DHS Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program. The Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program provided $5.3 million across Connecticut in the last fiscal year to help with hiring first responders.

Guilford was one of the seven towns in Connecticut’s Third Congressional District whose application was delayed while DHS funding was held up by the House Majority. The town applied for a Technical Rescue System, which would benefit not just Guilford, but nearby communities the town’s first responders assist. In the latest round of AFG grants six Third District communities received a collective $900,000.

Connecticut has 1,469 DHS employees, about half of whom are Coast Guard personnel.


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