By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Jan. 27 awarded the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown a $927,333 grant for new radios, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Chief Michael R. Terenzio announced.
The fire radio replacement grant is part of round 15 of FEMA’s fiscal year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line and deserve to have the most up-to-date equipment and resources available to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, who secured the funding for the Allingtown department. “With state and local budgets stretched thin, these federal grants help equip our first responders with lifesaving training and technologies to keep us safe.”
DeLauro, the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, added: “These critical grants will prepare our first responders for the lifesaving work of fighting and preventing fires. This federal funding plays an important role in guaranteeing they have the tools to protect themselves and the health and safety of the public.”
Terenzio said the regional award will pay for mobile, portable and base radios that will benefit the Allingtown department as well as the West Haven and West Shore fire departments.
“I would like to convey to Congresswoman DeLauro how much I, as the entire fire service does, appreciate all of her efforts in securing much-needed additional funding to purchase vital equipment needed for fire departments to meet their mission goals,” Terenzio said. “Brave men and women who become firefighters are able to meet the challenges presented by emergencies they are called to mitigate by being properly and appropriately trained and equipped to do so.”
Terenzio added: “The funding we were just awarded will enable us to replace unsupported analogue radio equipment that is experiencing communications gaps during firefighting operations within structures and challenge communications efficacy to outside command staff. The new digital technology equipment that will be purchased with this funding will ensure our forces are provided with the most effective communications necessary for coordinating emergency operations and routine incidents that involve firefighters and civilians’ safety while in immediately dangerous to life or health atmospheres.”
Rossi thanked DeLauro for supporting the AFG funding and fighting for West Haven.
“This crucial equipment will assist the Allingtown Fire Department in coordinating response efforts and communication, which improves safety for all residents of West Haven,” Rossi said. “I would like to thank Congresswoman DeLauro on behalf of the city of West Haven for her efforts to secure the AFG funding. I would also like to thank Chief Terenzio for hosting the application and city Grant Coordinator Doug Colter for writing and submitting the grant.”
According to DeLauro, an Assistance to Firefighters Grant is a competitive grant awarded to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders. Fire departments and EMS organizations can use the grants to buy emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training materials, she said.
The AFG program is part of a coordinated effort by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergency situations.