East Haven Fire Department Awarded $26,000 Federal Firefighters Grant

EAST HAVEN, CT —Mayor Joseph A. Carfora and Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli are proud to announce that the East Haven Fire Department has been awarded $26,000 in federal assistance through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. With the Town’s required 10% cost share of $2,600, the total project funding of $28,600 will be used to purchase a wildland brushfire skid unit to enhance the department’s ability to respond to fires in the urban/wildland interface.

Since 2017, the East Haven Fire Department has secured over $1.6 million in FEMA grant funding, reinforcing the department’s commitment to firefighter and community safety.

The East Haven Fire Department protects more than 1,200 acres of forests, wetlands, and open space
across 13 square miles. These areas are increasingly at risk from brush and wildland fires due to drought conditions, lightning strikes, rail activity, and other hazards. Currently, the department must rely on large structural engines not designed for off-road firefighting, limiting access to fires beyond paved roadways and putting increased wear on frontline apparatus. The need for such a unit was highlighted during a major brush fire last year on Proto Drive. Read more about a 2024 brush fire caused by fireworks.

"This specialized brushfire skid unit will be mounted on an all-wheel-drive pickup truck, giving our
firefighters the ability to quickly access and suppress fires in rugged terrain that we simply cannot reach with our existing apparatus," Marcarelli said. "It’s a cost-effective, high-impact investment that
will improve firefighter safety, extend the life of our fire engines, and enhance our ability to protect both natural and developed areas of our community."

The skid unit includes a high-performance pump, water tank, and hose system specifically designed for wildland firefighting. Its lightweight, mobile design ensures faster and safer responses, reducing the risk of fires spreading into residential neighborhoods, critical infrastructure such as the Amtrak rail corridor, and the 394-acre Tweed New Haven Regional Airport.

"Chief Marcarelli has consistently delivered results through competitive federal grants, which reduce the financial burden on East Haven taxpayers," Carfora said. "This latest award strengthens our fire department’s ability to protect residents and property while advancing regional cooperation in wildland fire response. We are grateful to our federal and state legislative delegation for their continued support of the AFG program and our town’s needs."