January 31, 2012

FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS NEED FUNDING SAYS REP. SUSAN JOHNSON

State Representative Susan Johnson and other lawmakers 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.

State Reps. Betty Boukus, Joe Aresimowicz, & Susan Johnson with members of the
CT State Firefighters Association.

“Public safety depends on education and training for our firefighters. That’s why I’m so pleased that the state recently purchased the fire school property in Windham. I will be working to secure funding to update the facility so more extensive training can be provided right here in Eastern Connecticut,” said Rep. Johnson. “I appreciate hearing from the many firefighters who joined us at the legislature.”

In 2004, funding was authorized to begin a long-term construction project at 8 of the 10 schools. In 2010, the state authorized bonding money to purchase the 10 acre property, which is the principal training facility for public fire departments (both paid and volunteer) Tolland, Windham and New London Counties.

Rep. Johnson plans 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.