News

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Oct. 28, 2025 — In honor of National First Responder Day (Oct. 28, 2025), the Regional Water Authority has announced approximately $15,000 in grant funding to support 15 fire and emergency service agencies across the region.

The funding is being provided through the Emergency Responder Grant Program, which the RWA launched last year to support volunteer and professional first-responders in its water district. The grants will help these agencies purchase essential equipment, training materials and other resources that enhance emergency response and public safety.

“We’re proud to support our emergency service organizations and the selfless individuals, both volunteers and professionals, who protect our communities,” said RWA Police Capt. Paul Ruggiero. “Our Emergency Responder Grant Program is an opportunity for us to recognize their dedication to our communities, and to help ensure they are ready and able to respond to a wide variety of emergency scenarios.”

The RWA introduced the grant program in 2024, awarding more than $15,000 to eight emergency service agencies across the region last October. This year’s program, announced in September, attracted more than twice as many applicants.

The following agencies were each selected to receive grants of $1,000, which will support a variety of emergency readiness needs:

• Ansonia Fire Department: Inflatable Boat with Motor
• Ansonia Rescue & Medical Services: Printers for Cardiac Monitors
• Bethany Volunteer Fireman’s Association: Life Vests & Throw Rope
• East Haven Fire Department: Rope Rescue Equipment
• Hamden Fire Department: Victim Extrication Device
• Milford Fire Department: Firefighting Helmets
• North Branford Fire Department: Gas Meters
• North Haven Fire Department: Cordless Transfer Pumps and Impact Wrenches
• North Madison Volunteer Fire Co.: Hydrant Gate Valves and Bags
• Orange Volunteer Fire Association: Firefighter Turnout Gear
• Paugassett Hook & Ladder Co. 4 (Derby): Quick Response AED Kit & Training
• Prospect Volunteer Fire Department: Rescue Training Dummy
• Seymour Ambulance Association: CO2 Respiratory Monitoring Equipment, Defibrillator Training Unit
• Valley Emergency Medical Services (Seymour): Video Laryngoscope
• West Shore Fire District (West Haven): Survival Anti-Exposure Suits

The RWA has notified grant recipients, and an RWA representative will present checks to each agency in person.

To learn more about the grant program, go to https://www.rwater.com/about-us/in-the-community/first-responder-grants/.