Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced the passage of the Fire Grants and Safety Act and delivered helpful tips regarding fire safety on Wednesday, July 3, at the West Hartford Fire Department Station 4 in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

West Hartford Fire Department Station 4. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

By Kaily Martinez

Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced the passage of the Fire Grants and Safety Act on Wednesday, July 3, during a brief press conference held at the West Hartford Fire Department’s Station 4. Blumenthal also delivered some fireworks safety advice ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. 

The passage of the Fire Grants and Safety Act will provides $700 million to fire departments across the country – to cover more staff, better facilities, updated equipment, and improved training, West Hartford Fire Chief Greg Priest said. In the vicinity of Station 4, where the press conference was held, there is new housing approved and an addition to the senior housing complex, which will increase the need for resources, Priest said.

West Hartford Fire Chief Greg Priest. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

“In the last fiscal year, the units in this station responded to over 2,700 calls; about 63% were medical. This volume is expected to rise, along with the potential for increased response times as we get busier,” Priest said. 

Passing the Fire Grants and Safety Act includes the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant and Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). 

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, SAFER grants provide funding to volunteer firefighter organizations and fire departments to help keep a “number of trained ‘front line’ firefighters available in their communities.” Whereas AFG grants fund resources fire departments critically need, help train personnel and update equipment.

Sen. Blumenthal expressed how important it was to keep fire safety in mind, especially during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

“I’m proud to fight for more of the kind of resources that our fire service needs to be among the best in the whole country. We have professionals who are incomparable in their skill and dedication because they get the training and equipment,” Blumenthal said. 

Blumenthal announced that both SAFER and AFG grants will provide $1.6 billion this upcoming year nationwide. “Because our fire departments deserve it,” he said. During his speech, Blumenthal stated that there was a $400,000 grant last year in Hartford. Some of the funding will go towards better firefighter gear.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal at West Hartford Police Department Station 4. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

“Cancer is the biggest killer of our fire service, and some of these resources will go to provide protective gear that doesn’t have these kinds of toxic chemicals,” Blumenthal said. “The Fire Grants and Safety Act is a beginning of what we owe to our fire service.”

An article from the National Institute of Standards and Technology states that the materials used to create protective clothing for firefighters “contain per- and polyfluorolkyl substances, or PFAS.” PFAS can cause an increased risk of cancer and other health effects. The article continued to say as the turnout gear goes through more wear and tear it can release more PFAS. 

However, the Fire Grants and Safety Act is one step closer to providing firefighters with the necessary resources to protect our communities and themselves better. In preparation for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, more information regarding fire safety can be found on their website and in other advice shared by the West Hartford Fire Department with local media.

During Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s speech at West Hartford Fire Department Station 4. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

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