Blumenthal praises Norwich firefighters, promotes federal equipment grant.

Norwich — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal thanked Norwich firefighters Wednesday for their work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made responding to emergencies more challenging.

Blumenthal visited with Norwich Fire Department leaders and firefighters Wednesday at the Greeneville fire station to acknowledge the city’s acceptance of a $193,977 federal grant to purchase vehicle extrication equipment and associated training. The City Council on Monday approved the required $19,397 local match with money already budgeted for the equipment and training, City Manager John Salomone said.

Several eastern Connecticut fire departments received grants, announced Aug. 6 by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District.

“I want to say how much I admire what you have done, over the last six months especially,” Blumenthal said, “and obviously over many, many years you have dedicated your lifetime to serving and saving people. It’s never been more important than during the pandemic.”

Norwich acting fire Chief Keith Wucik credited former Norwich fire training director Jason Balletto for writing the successful grant application. Balletto left the department a month ago to become deputy chief at the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton.

Battalion Chief Marc Benjamin said the training money was more important than the equipment, as budgets have become tighter during the pandemic.

“Although we may get the equipment, having the training to follow up with this equipment is critical for us to do the job properly,” Benjamin said. “And funding is tight nationwide. Everyone is struggling.”

Fire Lt. Nate Kannas, president of Local 892 firefighters’ union, thanked Blumenthal on behalf of the union for the grant and for his advocacy of labor issues to protect firefighters during the pandemic. Kannas noted local political issues, with pressures on budgets, funding and staffing.

“That’s why this grant’s even more important to us,” Kannas said. “Without that stuff, we’ll not be able to provide the important service our members take pride in.”

Prior to visiting the Greeneville fire station, Blumenthal met privately with Norwich Public Utilities leaders to discuss the local utility’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias, which hit the state Aug. 4. Blumenthal said the admirable municipal response model could be applied on a larger scale to Eversource, with improved staffing and communications to local cities and towns on the extent of damage and timing of repair work.

“At a minimum what we need is more effective regulation so that rates are tied to performance,” Blumenthal said. “No guarantees, which is what they have now, regardless of performance. And certainly, no executive compensation in the tens of millions of dollars like we’re seeing right now. The rates here in Norwich are 24% lower than Eversource. Something’s wrong with this picture.”