White House authorizes Westport fire equipment

The Westport Fire Department will receive $265,000 in federal funding for a much-needed emergency generator under the Homeland Security Appropriations Act signed this week by the President. In addition to funding local projects like the generator, the spending bill supports programs that secure U.S. borders, ports, and airports and that help train local first responders and emergency personnel.

“My most important obligation is to protect the safety and security of the people I represent,” said Congressman Himes. “This bill ensures our first responders have the training and equipment they need to protect us in an emergency and that families and business travelers can move about the country without fear.”

The Westport Fire Headquarters houses Westport’s Emergency Operations Center as well as units from the Fairfield County Hazardous Materials Response Team and the Regional Communications and Command Response Unit. The funding finalized today will allow the purchase of a new generator to supply emergency standby power for the entire headquarters complex. Without the new generator, the ability to operate and maintain communications with other agencies during an emergency could be significantly compromised.

The Homeland Security Appropriations Act increases security along U.S. borders and improves aviation security, port security and transit security. Among the many important programs, these funds will be used to purchase and install the latest explosive detection systems at airports nationwide and develop and deploy systems to screen cargo containers for weapons and nuclear materials.