January 30, 2011

FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS NEED FUNDING

Rep. Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin) and Rep. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain, Bristol) welcomed the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) to the Legislative Office Building Thursday to discuss ongoing construction and renovations to the state’s 10 regional fire training schools.

Rep. Boukus, Rep. Aresimowicz and Rep. Johnson with members of the Connecticut State
Firefighters Association.

In 2004, funding was authorized to begin a long-term construction project at 8 of the 10 schools. To date, work at the New Haven school has been completed and work has begun on the Hartford County fire school in Windsor Locks.

“I thank the many firefighters who participated in our session,” Rep. Aresimowicz said, “These meetings are an opportunity for us to share our concerns and to continue to work to provide our citizens with the fire protection and safety they deserve.”

“Education and training are paramount when molding young first responders,” Rep. Boukus said. “Safety doesn't happen by accident. It requires the hard work and training available at our regional fire schools.”

Rep. Aresimowicz and Rep. Boukus planned to support additional funding during the next legislative session that convenes in February to ensure that the training facilities are capable of providing the state’s firefighters with the tools needed to safely protect their communities.

According to the CSFA there are about 26,000 fire fighters in Connecticut. About 4000 are professional firefighters and more than 22,000 are volunteers.