SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR HEBRON FIRE DEPARTMENT

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that the State Bond Commission is expected this week to approve $500,00 for the Hebron Fire Department to help purchase a new fire engine.

The $500,000 in state bonding is expected to pay for about 50% of the cost of a new engine, basic models of which currently cost between $900,000 and $1.2 million. $500,000 equals a little over half a mill in local taxes at the current mill rate.

“Public safety infrastructure is one of the most important aspects of any town, and just like roads and bridges and schools, fire equipment needs to be updated from time to time,” said Sen. Osten. “I’ve been talking with Chief Starkel and town officials for nearly 18 months about this bonding, and I’m proud to say it is finally ready to be released. I’m happy for the people of Hebron, and I want to thank all the firefighters and first responders in Hebron for everything they do every day to keep the population safe.”

“I’m ecstatic,” said Hebron Fire Department Chief Peter Starkel, who notes that he first started discussing a state grant for Hebron with Sen. Osten in February 2024, and that she kept him regularly apprised of the progress. “Senator Osten has been incredible. She’s always been a huge supporter of public safety and the fire service. She just been great.”

The commission was expected to approve the funding at its meeting on Friday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.