By Stephen Underwood
Hartford Courant
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Fire Academy is getting a significant boost in expanding its equipment and gear to help train future firefighters.
Officials with the Connecticut Fire Academy said they have received a $517,000 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program is providing funding to help modernize and expand equipment essential for training firefighters throughout the state, the academy said.
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The grant money will pay for new air packs and self-contained breathing apparatus equipment, support training for fire academy recruits and help build out other specialized programs, according to the academy.
“The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program continues to be vital to the fire service. This award ensures that Connecticut’s firefighters are trained on current, safe and reliable SCBA equipment. Without AFG, the cost of these upgrades would fall directly on taxpayers. This investment supports firefighter readiness and preserves public resources,” said State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette.
The Connecticut Fire Academy, located in Windsor Locks, provides a 70-day residential program for recruits and training for state firefighters and municipal fire departments.
“High-quality training depends on high-quality equipment. These SCBA packs protect our instructors and provide realistic, safe training for firefighters who will return home to protect their communities,” said director of training P.J. Norwood.
According to fire officials, the equipment was purchased with the assistance of Connecticut-based vendor MES Life Safety.
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