By Connie Yan, Journal Inquirer
The West Stafford Fire Department has recieved a federal grant that will
help replace breathing equipment.
The grant totaling $175,474 is more than the department's operating budget for the entire year,
Chief Joe Lorenzetti said.
"It's a very large gift," he said.
The money will be spent on replacing the deparement's self-contined breathing apparatuses,
some over "20-something" years old, Lorenzetti said.
A new compressor and filling station to refill the bottles and air packs that are National Fire
Protection Association compliant, that operate at a higher pressure and are safer and lighter
are also on the list.
The purchase will "make it certainly safer for our people," Lorenzetti said. "With the tough economic
times this purchase would not be in any way possible without the federal grant."
U.S. Rep. Joseph Courtney D. Courtney, D-2nd District, recently announced the federal grants
for several fire departments, which total $523,662. Besides the West Stafford Fire Dept.,
the city of Groton Fire Dept. recieved $202,350; the Eastford Independent Fire Co. No. 1
recieved $90,772; and the Mashantucket Pequot Fire and Emergency Services recieved $55,066.
"These men and women do not hesitate to put their lives on the line each and every day and
it is my duty as a public official to ensure that they have the funding necessary to enable
them to do their jobs," Courtney said in a news release.
Lorenzetti praised Courtney's efforts.
"I would personally like to thank Representative Courtney for his efforts in supplying
this grant for us," Lorenzetti said. INVITATION TO BID SELF CONTATINED BREATHING APPARATUS
WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS
FOR THIER HELP AT OUR STRUCTURE FIRE ON 2/20/09
STAFFORD FIRE DEPT. #1
CRYSTAL LAKE FIRE DEPT.
SOMERS FIRE DEPARTMENT
WILLINGTON #1 FIRE DEPARTMENT
WILLINGTON HILL FIRE DEPT.
TOLLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT
UNION FIRE DEPARTMENT
SERVICES WE PROVIDE:
FIRE PROTECTION & SUPPRESSION
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES are
FIRST RESPONDER/DEFRIBILLATOR
SEARCH & RESCUE
HEAVY RESCUE & VEHICLE EXTRICATION
FIRE PREVENTION EDUCATION
DISPATCH METHOD
Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service, Incorporated
A full service Regional Dispatch Center
Calls Received through 911
Main Operating Frequency: 33.86Mhz (County North)
West Stafford Fire Department
144 West Stafford Road
Stafford Springs, Conn. 06076
Station Phone Non Emergency calls
860-684-3695
