Larson and Mayor Connor Martin Announce $1 Million in Federal Funding for East Hartford Fire Department to Replace Station 2 and Combat House Fires

"Our firefighters work hard every day to keep our communities safe," said Larson. "As co-chair of the Fire Services Caucus, I have been proud to deliver more than $3 million for the East Hartford Fire Department over the past five years to ensure our first responders have the equipment and training they need. The funding we announced today will fund the replacement and modernization of Fire Station 2 and connect our firefighters with up-to-date training they to better combat intensifying house fires. I will continue to work with our local leaders and Chief Munson to support our firefighters and equip them with all the necessary tools to stay safe on the job and serve the entire community well."

"I would like to thank Congressman Larson for his continued support of East Hartford and for securing this hugely impactful federal investment to help replace Fire Station 2, one of the Town's oldest fire facilities," said Martin. "This crucial investment helps us move forward with our next major infrastructure priority. Investing in local infrastructure is critical because it supports the essential services our residents rely on every day. Facilities like our fire stations are what make it possible for our firefighters to reach homes across town in less than four minutes. So, this funding really ensures we can continue delivering that level of service and keeping our community safe."

Larson requested fundingfor East Hartford's new fire station as part of this year's Community Project Funding (CPF) process, securing $850,000 in federal funds to replace the fire station off of Main Street, make it handicap accessible, and outfit it with space for apparatus equipment and a modern fire alarm and sprinkler system.

"The East Hartford Fire Department and the community we serve are incredibly grateful to the Congressman and our delegation in Washington for the continued support. The invaluable fire behavior training that this award provides will have a long-term positive impact on the firefighters in East Hartford. The allocation of resources for the replacement of Fire Station 2 goes a long way to making a new station a reality. Providing our firefighters with a safe and healthy environment in which to work ultimately yields a better product for our citizens by creating gender-inclusive spaces, implementing cancer mitigation strategies, and making much-needed improvements to enhance hygiene and reduce long-term health issues. For these reasons, we are grateful for the Congressman's long-standing efforts to support firefighters' health and wellness in Washington," said East Hartford Fire Chief Kevin Munson.

East Hartford was also awarded $165,000 in additional federal funding to offer new training for firefighters to learn how to more effectively combat intensifying house fires, due to the increased presence of flammable chemicals in building materials and household products. Larson secured this Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding package.

Photos from the press conference and preliminary renderings of the new Fire Station 2 are available HERE.