House Republican Press Release

July 15, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hovey Secures Grant For Monroe Volunteer Firefighters

State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe, Newtown) today announced she has secured a $2,500 grant for the Town of Monroe for firefighting equipment. The funds were secured through the state Office of Policy and Management.

                       Application for the funds was originally made under former Monroe First Selectman Andrew Nunn. Equipment to be purchased under the grant includes 3 ventilation fans and additional equipment to assist firefighters at emergency such as water bags and a canopy.

                       In its application, town officials noted the Volunteer Fire Department had requested the items but they could not grant them due to local budget constraints.

“Because of increasing operational costs with stagnant budgets, this grant has allowed the fire departments in Monroe to acquire rehabilitation equipment for our firefighters,” said Monroe Volunteer Fire Department Vice-President Chris Krize.  “This equipment allows our firefighters to sit down and relax during incidents such that they can re-build their energy and get back to work safely – our firefighters are truly thankful for the grant.”

                       “Our community owes a tremendous debt to Monroe’s Volunteer Firefighters,” said Rep. Hovey. “Many people don’t think about them until they really need them—then they are heroes. We need to do all we can to help them do their job as safely as possible and I’m hopeful this grant helps in that regard.”