House Republican Press Release

September 28, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. FAHRBACH SECURES GRANT FOR SUFFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLE

Hartford—State Representative Ruth Fahrbach, R-Windsor, today announced she has secured a $20,000 grant toward the purchase of a four wheel drive vehicle for the Suffield Volunteer Fire Department. The funds were secured through the state Office of Policy and Management.

The Volunteer Fire Department does not currently own a smaller vehicle that can be used for day to day activities, such as traffic duty, moving personnel and equipment and attending training sessions. For example, the department instead uses a $500,000 pumper truck when undertaking traffic duty.

“The new vehicle will cost about $39,000 and the state grant funds will be used to offset the Town of Suffield’s expenses toward the purchase. It will be a 4 wheel drive, 3/4 ton truck, with a four-door cab to allow a crew to travel together and include a rear cap to store and protect equipment. It was also be equipped as an official fire vehicle, complete with emergency lights and radio and will save wear and tear on the more costly equipment,” said Rep. Fahrbach. 

“In addition to putting their lives on the line, volunteer firefighters make many sacrifices in their personal lives to protect the people of Suffield,” said Rep. Fahrbach. “We should do all we can to support their efforts and this grant will help reduce the cost to local taxpayers.”