Middletown gets $1.14M to hire new firefighters

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) — The Middletown Fire Department is getting an infusion of $1.14 million from the federal government to hire eight new firefighters and be better prepared for emergencies.

Mayor Daniel Drew says the money will enable taxpayers to save money as city officials push to meet universal standards that requires communities as big as Middletown to deploy 17 firefighters on duty at the same time.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant will cover the costs of all pay and benefits for the new positions over the next two years. The city council must approve the decision to hire.

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy together with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro were on hand Saturday to announce the federal funding.

Drew says extra firefighters could help the city reduce insurance costs.