Jorge Cabrera

Sen. Cabrera, Hamden Delegation Applaud Expected Bonding Package for Hamden Fire Station

HAMDEN – Today, members of the New Haven delegation – state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) state Representatives Mike D’Agostino (D-Hamden), Robyn Porter (D-Hamden/New Haven) and Josh Elliott(D-Hamden) – applauded the State Bond Commission’s expected approval of $4.3 million for a modern emergency operations center at the Humphrey Fire House.

“We know how crucial it is to ensure efficient and effective communication during an emergency, which is why it is so important to secure these funds and why I am pleased to see the Bond Commission add this to the agenda,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The Hamden delegation and I are hopeful to see these funds be approved and the Humphrey Fire House receive the funds needed to modernize its emergency operations center.”

“This investment of state bonding is a big win for Hamden,” said Sen. Looney. “The replacement of Fire Station 2 has been a much-needed and long-sought-after project to modernize the facilities where our public safety officials spend every day keeping us safe. Additionally, the State Bond Commission is also approving money for substantial renovations at Mount Carmel Congregate Housing which will not only mean a better quality of life for the residents there, but helps maintain a critical asset that allows seniors to retire in the town they love. I want to thank all of my legislative colleagues that represent Hamden for their continuous work to make these projects a reality and Governor Lamont for approving these needed investments.”

“Fire Station 2 is in a 100-year-old building that currently violates OSHA standards for safety and accessibility,” said Rep. D’Agostino. “The Hamden Fire Station 2 firefighters have selflessly protected our community from there but they, and the community, need a new building. I am excited that this will no longer be the story for Hamden’s busiest fire station, serving a population of traditionally underserved residents.”

“I can’t tell you how elated I was when I got the word that Governor Lamont and Secretary McCaw had signed off on our Fire Station 2, $4.3 million bonding request,” said Rep. Porter, who also serves as the House Labor and Public Employees Committee Chair. “So, first let me thank the governor’s office for honoring our appeal. Second, I want to thank my Hamden delegation for reinforcing the fact that ‘teamwork is what makes the dream work’. This truly affirms that we are putting our first responders first by putting their needs and safety first. Not to mention, Fire Station 2 is the town’s most hardworking fire station, serving one-third of town residents. Now, with this project shovel-ready and funding in place, Hamden citizens will benefit from improved emergency service. Therefore, making this not only a win for our brave firefighters but also a win for our beloved community.”

“Funding for Fire Station 2 is long overdue,” said Rep. Elliott. “I am excited that this critical public safety facility will finally be replaced, modernized, and continue to serve Hamden for another century. I want to thank Governor Lamont for taking action on this essential project.”

“Over time, we’re seeing more and more severe weather due to the changing climate, and our need to respond to these emergencies continues to grow,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I am glad that the state is able to partner with the Town of Hamden to create a new, modernized emergency operations center, which will serve as a critical resource for everyone who lives in the area during these emergencies.”

The funds, $4,300,032, will go toward a modern emergency operations center (EOC). A modernized EOC will assist in making the management and facilitation of activities during an emergency even more efficient and greatly benefit the Hamden residents. The Humphrey Fire House, founded back in 1908, is located on the South end of Hamden and houses the Hazardous Materials Response Unit.

The State Bond Commission will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, December 21 at 2 p.m.