Stamford Fire & Rescue Receives $1M Federal Grant

STAMFORD, Conn. — Stamford Fire & Rescue will be adding eight firefighters with the help of a federal grant worth nearly $1 million pending city approval, a news release said.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant was awarded to the city from the U.S. Senate’s Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, which is chaired by U.S. Sen. and Stamford’s own Joe Lieberman, the release said. U.S. Sen Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes also helped, the release said.

“We owe strong support in deeds and dollars, not just words, to our brave firefighters who step into certain danger and lay their lives on the line to protect us,” Blumenthal said in the release.

If the $988,848 grant is approved, the fire department will have an extra two people working per shift, and will add positions to Engine Companies 8 and 9, which serve the Belltown, Turn of River, Long Ridge, and Springdale neighborhoods, the release said.

“This grant will create jobs and help ensure that when your life or property is at risk, Stamford has enough firefighters to protect you and your family,” Himes said in the release.

The grant is designed to improve fire safety by strengthening response capabilities, the release said. The grant is renewable for up to five years as long as the city remains in compliance with the Homeland Security Administration, the release said.

The grant will cover 100 percent of staffing costs for the first two years, the release said. 

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