Ansonia fire department receives funding for cameras

Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro applaud grant

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, along with U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, today applauded news the Ansonia Fire Department is receiving a $17,100 grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

The grant, made through the Assistance for Firefighters Grant program will be used to purchase thermal-imaging cameras.

Blumenthal said, “This grant will help the City of Ansonia purchase two new thermal imaging cameras, replacing 12-year-old equipment badly in need of an upgrade.
"These cameras enable firefighters to see through dense smoke, allowing them to more quickly locate victims and potential hazards. This is an important, well-deserved investment in the safety of the city’s volunteer firefighters and residents. I applaud this award and remain ever grateful to the live-saving, heroic efforts of our first responders."

Murphy commented, “Few things are more important than supporting our firefighters and first responders who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. This grant will provide critical support to help Ansonia’s firefighters do their jobs more effectively, and will help to keep them safe as well. I’ll continue to fight for these heroes as they fight for us.”

“Ensuring first responders have necessary equipment is crucial to protecting not only the public, but the brave men and women who rush into buildings when others are rushing out,” DeLauro said. “This grant will keep people in Ansonia safer and better prepare their first responders for the dangerous and lifesaving work they so ably do.”

“The thermal imaging cameras are now a necessity to the fire service,” said Ansonia Fire Chief Joseph Kingston. “This technology is essential to firefighter safety.”

“We are thankful for the support of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant funds which will move our department forward in its mission to protect Ansonia residents,” Kingston added.

This information is taken from a press release from U.S. Rosa L. DeLauro's office.