The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded a $595,000 joint grant to purchase 89 self-contained breathing apparatuses and three accountability tracking systems for Brookfield’s two fire companies and Water Witch Hose Company No. 2 in New Milford.
Each of the three companies will receive a new tracking system that will enable incident commanders to view vital personal safety information during volatile and dangerous situations. The system will provide a continuous communication link between firefighters and the command station, providing real time information that could be used to immediately locate a firefighter in distress.
Additionally, the 89 self-contained breathing apparatuses will replace older equipment, providing firefighters with modern, life-saving equipment.
“On behalf our fire volunteers, I am delighted that our two fire companies have received this FEMA Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant,” First Selectman Bill Davidson said. “This grant was secured as a result of the special efforts of Sara Ellis, Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company and Jason Ginsberg, Candlewood Fire Department.”
Davidson noted that the town’s volunteer companies have received almost $1 million in grant funding over the last seven years.
“They have supported the purchase of vital equipment that would otherwise have been included in the municipal budget,” he said.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us, and few things are more important than supporting these heroes,” Sen. Chris Murphy said of the grant award. “This funding will help keep firefighters in Brookfield and New Milford safer while they work to keep our families safe, and I’m proud to support it.”
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