The Danbury Fire Department has been awarded federal grant money to purchase portable radios.  The nearly $337,000 from FEMA is part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program. 

Senator Chris Murphy says firefighters work diligently to keep the community safe, putting their lives on the line and these funds will help improve communications.  Senator Richard Blumenthal says this grant will help ensure that members of the Danbury Fire Department can continue to do their jobs effectively and safely.  5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty says the Assistance to Firefighter Grant has helped firefighters and other first responders since 2001 to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources. 

Fire Chief TJ Wiedl called the funding much needed.  He says replacement of aging equipment will allow firefighters to focus on emergency situations at hand with renewed confidence in their radios, their lifeline.