Submitted by Daniel Meaney
(September 11, 2023) — Connecticut Water has announced the recipients of its 2023 Firefighter Support Grant program, among them the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company.
The program, launched in 2020, provides financial support for equipment or training for fire departments within Connecticut Water’s service communities. A minimum total of $15,000 is awarded annually with individual grants of up to $1,500 made based on program criteria. The grants are funded by the company and not recovered in customer rates.
“Local firefighters and their departments have dedicated themselves to protecting lives and property in their local communities and provide an essential service,” said Craig J. Patla, president of Connecticut Water. He added, “We are committed to supporting them through this grant program that provides training and equipment so they can be safe and effective when fighting fires.”
In many communities served by Connecticut Water, the hydrants used by local firefighters are connected to, and take water from, Connecticut Water’s water systems. Fire Departments receiving grants in 2023 include:
· Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Dept.
· Coventry Fire & EMS
· Crystal Lake Fire Dept.
· Dayville Fire Dept. (Killingly)
· Tunxis Hose No. 1, Unionville (Farmington)
· Hebron Fire Department
· Killingworth Volunteer Fire Dept.
· Old Lyme Volunteer Fire Dept.
· Prospect Volunteer Fire Dept.
· South Killingly Volunteer Fire Dept.
· North Thompsonville Vol. Fire Dept. (Enfield)
Applications for the 2024 Firefighter Support Grant Program will open in late 2023. More information on the Firefighter Support Grant Program and Connecticut Water’s other charitable giving programs is available at [www.ctwater.com/giving]www.ctwater.com/giving
Connecticut Water has awarded more than $63,000 in firefighter grants since the inception of the program.
