Candlewood Fire Company Receives Federal Grant

Candlewood Fire Department is the recipient of a $122,585 federal operations and safety grant under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The grant will be used primarily to purchase 38 pairs of protective outerwear for the department's all-volunteer force.

The equipment the company uses now is outdated and in many cases doesn't comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, according to Fire Chief Gary Gramling.  Most of the used equipment will be donated to another volunteer fire company in need, though a few of the pairs will be kept within the department as backups.  The company has until the end of the year to spend the money, so Gramling plans to order a few demo pairs for the crew to try out before deciding what to purchase.

Along with the flame-retardant coats, pants, boots and helmets, the department will buy a special washer and dryer to take care of their new equipment.  The remaining $20,000 will be put toward training in to-be-determined areas. 

The Candlewood Department was one of less than 3,000 communities nationwide awarded the grant this year as part of the SAFER and FIRE Acts, authored by Senator Chris Dodd and cosponsored by Senator Joseph Lieberman in 2003.  The grant is awarded based on "need, not want," Jason Ginsberg, who did much of the legwork in acquiring the grant, explained, and the company was sorely in need of the assistance.  "If a company needs helmets and protective equipment, they're going to be first in line."  Candlewood has received several grants in the past, however none anywhere near this size. 

Brookfield's Candlewood Company is one of three fire departments in Connecticut receiving AFG funding, along with Easton Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 ($78,850) and the Bridgeport Fire Department ($28,800).