$1.2M Federal Fire Staffing Grant Goes To Southington Department

SOUTHINGTON, CT — On a day termed "monumental" in Southington, local, state and federal officials Tuesday announced $1.2 million in funding to begin staffing the Clark Street Station 3.

Southington fire officials said the department is the sole Connecticut recipient of a highly competitive SAFER grant. The grant is part of e federal program that provides funding to local fire departments to increase the number of trained, frontline firefighters.

Representative Liz Linehan also applauded the award.

"Thank you to Congressman (John) Larson for helping our firefighters secure this grant, and to Fire Chief James Paul and Firefighter Dan Comen for their hard work on behalf of the Southington Fire Department," Linehan said. "My hope is that once this grant expires, the salaries for the new firefighters remain in the town budget. Truly supporting our Firefighters and first responders requires continued financial support in terms of salaries, benefits, training, and safety equipment. Congressman Larson's help in securing the SAFER grant is an instrumental first step towards increasing public safety in Southington. Continued financial support to the men and women who keep us safe is the primary responsibility of the municipality and any deviation or reduction is irresponsible. I hope this is the beginning of a renewed municipal support for adequate staffing of our Fire Department to allow for the continued delivery of state-of-the-art fire response to our growing community and its residents.”

"The Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut applaud Congressman Larson's continued and unwavering support and commitment to Connecticut's Career Firefighters. We would also like to thank Rep. Liz Linehan for her steadfast support for the Career firefighters, not only in Southington, but across Connecticut," said Peter Carozza, the president of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut. "This SAFER grant of $1.2 million will increase staffing levels and ensure the safety of the citizens of Southington, as well as their Firefighters. Adequate staffing is paramount to efficient and effective delivery of emergency responses by the fire service. This grant provides that and, again we thank Congressman Larson for his efforts."