Washington , D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro ( Conn. -3) announced that the Beacon Falls Fire Department has been awarded $30,305 for the purchase of a rescue boat, water suits and additional protective gear through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The Fire Department will provide approximately $1,500 in matching funds. The competitive grant program, which makes awards directly to fire department and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organization, will strengthen the ability of first responders to protect our communities.

“It is critical that each community have the appropriate tools to protect their distinctive communities. With this grant, the Beacon Falls Fire Department will be able to purchase the rescue boat, water suits and gear they need for their water and ice safety programs; allowing them to respond should there be an incident on one of the many waterways in and around the area. The Department is also to be commended for receiving funds from this competitive grant,” stated DeLauro.

“Hundreds utilize the rivers and ponds of Beacon Falls for recreation and these funds will allow us to purchase the necessary equipment to enhance our water and ice safety programs – ensuring that the Department and our firefighters can respond to any possible incident,” said David Rybinski, past fire chief and grants coordinator for the department. “The federal funding provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is an invaluable resource for local Departments and we are grateful for Congresswoman DeLauro’s support.”

Despite the importance of the Firefighter Assistance Grants to our community, the President’s budget cuts Assistance to Firefighters Grants by $465 million below the level needed to maintain current services, providing only $300 million for 2009. For Connecticut , this would result in an approximate cut of $5.2 million or about 58 fewer grants awarded. For 2008, Congress provided $750 million for these grants, rejecting the President’s effort to make similar cuts to the program.