The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded nearly $4 million in grant funding to over a dozen fire departments and towns across Connecticut.
The agency announced this week that they awarded $3.8 million in grant funding for fire departments and other first responder organizations in Connecticut. They are administering the funds through its three fire grant programs: the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response and Fire Prevention and Safety.
FEMA published the funding opportunities in May 2026, making $648 million available nationally across all three programs.
“FEMA disburses this money to support firefighters and other emergency personnel because they are often the first ones on the scene when disaster strikes. They play an essential role in keeping American communities safe. By empowering these emergency responders to strengthen and expand their capacity, FEMA is contributing to the nation’s overall resilience,” the agency said in a press release.
This funding is part of the nearly $32.5 million in total grants awarded to six New England states, the agency said.
Grant recipients can use the money to purchase personal protective equipment, acquire emergency response vehicles, and develop health, wellness and resiliency initiatives to prepare responders for incidents, according to FEMA.
Towns and cities awarded federal grant money includes:
- Town of Branford: more than $67,000 for firefighting hose.
- Town of East Haven: nearly $274,000 for firefighting hose.
- Town of Greenwich: nearly $74,000 for firefighter training.
- Guilford Volunteer Fire Department: more than $54,000 for Emergency Medical Services equipment.
- Town of Hebron: nearly $220,000 for portable radios and fire hose.
- Lisbon Fire Department: nearly $286,000 for a vehicle award, brush truck.
- Madison Hose Company Number One: $40,000 for firefighter turnout gear.
- Town of Manchester: nearly $126,000 for firefighter training.
- Middletown Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection: more than $453,000 for training equipment.
- City of New Britain: more than $290,000 for firefighter training.
- Old Lyme Fire Department: nearly $387,000 for firefighter breathing apparatus.
- Georgetown Volunteer Fire Co.: nearly $71,000 for a vehicle exhaust removal system.
- Scotland Volunteer Fire Department: more than $280,000 for wildland firefighting Personal Protective Equipment. This is a regional award also benefiting Baltic Fire Engine Co. 1, Canterbury Volunteer Fire Company, Hampton Fire Co., North Windham Fire Department , South Windham Fire Department, and Windham Center Fire Department.
- Seymour Ambulance Association: nearly $346,000 for a vehicle award, ambulance.
- West Stafford Fire Department: more than $342,000 for firefighter breathing apparatus.
- Long Ridge Fire Co.: more than $26,000 for Emergency Medical Services equipment.
- Stamford Emergency Medical Services: more than $36,000 for cardiac defibrillators.
- Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut: more than $38,000 for breathing air cylinders.
- City of Waterbury: more than $202,000 for firefighter training.
- West Haven Fire Dept. 1st Dist.: nearly $34,000 for firefighter bailout kits.
FEMA officials said the agency also awarded nearly $140,000 under the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program. That included the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, who was awarded nearly $140,000 for a lock box installation project.
According to FEMA, recipients can use the money to fund scientific research and technology development that will strengthen community fire prevention programs and improve firefighter safety, health and well-being.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.