September 6, 2016

Vail, Guglielmo, Courtney Welcome FEMA Fire Grant to Stafford

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Stafford – State Representative Kurt Vail recently joined State Senator Anthony Guglielmo, Representative Joe Courtney, Stafford Selectman John Perrier, and West Stafford Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Bill Morrison to receive a regional Fire Act Grant allocation.

The grant application was submitted on behalf of four separate departments including Stafford Fire #1 (Stafford, CT), West Stafford Fire Department (Stafford Springs, CT) Monson Fire Department (Monson, MA), and Wales Fire Department (Wales, MA). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated $148,951 to go to the four departments.

These departments often work together in responding to fires occurring in north-central Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. The FEMA grant will go directly towards the purchase of new hose, nozzles, and upgraded appliances.

“This grant will help our West Stafford fire department replace 20 year old equipment and make all of us a little safer every day,” said Sen. Guglielmo. “Bringing the West Stafford Fire Department up to the same standards as other nearby departments is common sense.”

“Having up-to-date equipment is crucial to successfully responding to an emergency situation, as well as working with neighboring fire crews, which is a common practice in suburban towns” stated Rep. Vail. “I want to thank those who worked toward securing the grant to achieve the common goal of adding a layer of public safety to the residents of Stafford.”

“This federal grant money is great news for West Stafford because it will allow the fire department to replace equipment that is more than 20-years old with brand new versions” said Congressman Courtney. “I was happy to work with Assistant Fire Chief Morrison while advocating in Washington for his department to receive this grant – we couldn’t have done it without him. I would also like to thank the entire West Stafford Fire Department for everything they do to protect and serve their local community. ”

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