North Haven Awarded $427K State Grant To Benefit Fire Department

NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven has been awarded more than $427,000 in state funding for a new fire department apparatus garage, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday.

North Haven was among 60 Connecticut small towns to share in $24.5 million dollars in state grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP).

North Haven was awarded $427,512 by the state, and officials said the town will use the funds for a new fire department apparatus garage and will match the grant with $106,879 in town funds.

“Thank you to Governor Lamont for approving this funding that will directly and positively impact public safety,” State Sen. Paul Cicarella said in a news release. “Our firefighters go through extraordinary challenges each day. Not only does this enable our firefighters to do their jobs efficiently and safely, but it will also benefit the safety of all North Haven residents. North Haven firefighters do a tremendous job each day under the leadership of First Selectman Freda and Chief Januszewski.”

STEAP funding is administered through the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development and used to complete a variety of town infrastructure improvements.

"Great news for North Haven,” State Rep. David Yaccarino said. “This award is a sturdy investment in the men and women of the North Haven Fire Department who serve our community so bravely every day. With this, our bravest neighbors will be better equipped to answer the call and provide the lifesaving care that they are known for, with increased safety and effectiveness.

“When Firefighter Anthony DeSimone and I last spoke before his passing, he reminded me how much this improvement meant and would benefit the North Haven Fire Department. I proudly dedicate this effort in his honor. Thank you to Governor Lamont, his team, and our strong local leaders for their help in making this grant possible."

Cicarella and Yaccarino also credited the advocacy of town leaders First Selectman Michael Freda and North Haven Fire Chief Paul Januszewski.

“I certainly appreciate the fine efforts of Sen. Paul Cicarella, State Rep. Dave Yaccarino, and the State of Connecticut for this very import STEAP grant award for our North East Firehouse,” Freda said. “As the economic development continues to grow on Northern Washington Avenue, adding additional bays for apparatus has become critically important to properly service the needs and safety of our citizens and businesses.”

The new garage will be used to house training apparatus, according to officials.

“This funding enables us to store an additional fire apparatus dedicated solely to training, which makes our in-service operations more efficient,” Januszewski said. “It also enables us to expand our operations for the future of North Haven residents. Thank you to Senator Cicarella and Representative Yaccarino for their advocacy in Hartford for this important project.”