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Community Corner

Reps. Buck-Taylor, Giegler voice support for federal aid to Sandy Hook first responders

HARTFORD – State Representatives Cecilia Buck-Taylor, R-67, and Janice R. Giegler, R-138, today applauded the federal government’s announcement that it would supply local law enforcement agencies with grant money for their assistance during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last year.

The Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, saying it will provide $2.5 million in funding to the Connecticut State Police, the Newtown Police Department and partner agencies who provided response assistance to the shootings at Sandy Hook. While most the funding will be directed to state and Newtown police departments, other nearby communities will be eligible for a remaining $296,836 from the grant.

“The tragedy in Sandy Hook has deeply affected us all.  Our public safety officials worked long and hard, putting safety considerations to the back of their minds during that tragic day.  It is inspiring how so many communities, including New Milford, did not hesitate to answer the call that day.  I applaud all of the sacrifices made by everyone and am grateful that the Attorney General and his office have recognized the long hours and hard work of our communities to help with the tragedy at Sandy Hook by providing this grant,” Representative Buck-Taylor said.

“Each day, our public safety officials put their lives on the line on behalf of our communities, not knowing what a day may bring,” Representative Giegler said. “That was evident during the Sandy Hook tragedy, when communities like Danbury, Ridgefield and New Fairfield rallied around Newtown, performing beyond our expectations in a most difficult environment. I thank the Justice Department for acknowledging the performance of our police, firefighters and EMTs, as no one can possibly comprehend the impact such an event has on those who are called on to assist in such an overwhelming tragedy.”

The funding, compensating the agencies and jurisdictions for “costs related to overtime, forensics and security,” is made available through BJA’s FY 2013 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, according to the Justice Department. The funding distribution includes $663,444 for Connecticut State Police; $602,293 to the Town of Newtown; $882,812 to the Town of Monroe; and a remaining $296,836 available to other towns, including Representative Buck-Taylor’s New Milford and Representative Giegler’s Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield.

Representative Buck-Taylor is a member of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment, Finance and Judiciary committees; Representative Giegler is an Assistant Republican Leader and is the Ranking Member on the legislature’s Public Safety & Security Committee. She also serves on the Executive and Legislative Nominations, Internship, and Transportation committees.


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