NORWICH – Another competitive federal grant has been awarded to two local fire departments. Norwich and Oxford will receive federal monies totaling $300,861 from the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

The City of Norwich Fire Department will receive $148,443 and the Oxford Fire Department will receive $152,418 from the grant. “It’s a competitive grant that Captain Michael Ford researched and applied for. We’ll be spending most of it on protective gear and clothing,” said Norwich Fire Chief Joseph Angelino.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards grants to firefighters, emergency response personnel and first responders throughout the nation. The program is mainly designed to enhance the first response capabilities and to protect the emergency personnel responding. The grants provide resources for training, first responder health and safety programs, and response equipment and vehicles.