ANSONIA — Information from a press release.
State Rep. Kara Rochelle, a Democrat from Ansonia who represents Ansonia and Derby, will be awarded the Connecticut State Firefighters Association’s (CSFA) 2021 Legislative Award during the association’s 138th Annual Statewide Convention on Sept. 18 at the Labella Vista Pavilion in Waterbury.
Rochelle was selected for her work during the 2021 legislative session to create a new fund that will pay for Firefighter I training for volunteer firefighters in economically distressed municipalities such as Ansonia and Derby.
This provision will free up these departments’ training budgets to reassign Firefighter I funds for Firefighter II training and more specialized courses. Rochelle is also being recognized for her outstanding advocacy in the long effort for the construction of the Valley Fire School, a top priority for CSFA and Rep. Rochelle.
The legislature authorized and approved funds, which are now waiting for the Gov. Ned Lamont to place them on the bond agenda for release.
“It is deeply humbling and a huge honor to be selected for this award. Firefighters answer the call no matter the hour, no matter the circumstance, and give so much of themselves to maintain the fire service and protect people in our communities. While I can’t wield the jaws of life or physically carry a person to safety myself, I am proud to serve as a leading voice for firefighters in Hartford, working closely with fire agencies like the CSFA and their members to ensure that firefighters have the support they need and the tools and resources to continue serving our state,” according to a prepared statement from Rochelle’s office.
The CSFA has over 26,000 members, representing both volunteer and career firefighters from across the state and is the focal organization for Connecticut’s fire service, aiding members with state and federal legislative initiatives, death and disability benefits claim, and more. Its Education Committee represents the nine regional fire schools to the state. The organization also oversees the state’s Firefighters Memorial in Windsor Locks, and oversees the Connecticut State Firefighters Hall of Fame.
