NORWICH, CT - The City of Norwich Fire Department was awarded a 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Operations and Safety Award. This grant totaling $282,450, is a significant milestone for our members and represents a crucial step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and effectiveness of our firefighters. 

The grant consists of $256,773 in federal funds, supplemented by a $25,677 match from the City of Norwich. These funds will be directed toward critical education programs and essential equipment upgrades, both of which are vital to our mission of protecting the community and ensuring the safety of our members. In the past 5 years, we have lost 11 officers and four senior firefighters. Of those personnel, we’ve lost over 338 combined years of service.

One of the most important aspects this grant helps with is establishing our Officer Development Program. This program will provide our current and future leaders comprehensive training in company officer responsibilities and safe incident operations. The funding will cover tuition, books, and salaries for 14 personnel to complete Pro Board Certification classes in Fire Instructor 1 and Fire Officer 1, as well as 18 personnel in Incident Safety Officer. Additionally, the grant will support department-wide live fire training for thermal imagers.

Furthermore, the grant will allow the Norwich Fire Department to acquire six new thermal imagers to replace our outdated units, which have been in service for 10-14 years, far beyond their expected lifespan. These new thermal imagers will significantly enhance our ability to locate trapped civilians and identify ignition sources quickly, improving our community's life safety and property conservation. With this award, both programs ensure that our departmental practices align with NFPA 1021, The Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, and NFPA 1408, The Standard for Training Fire Service Personnel in the Operation, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Thermal Imagers.

We are immensely grateful to our local, state, and federal legislators for their steadfast support and the funding provided through the AFG program. This grant is a testament to the importance of investing in the safety and development of our firefighters.