East Haven Fire Department Awarded $23,140 for Firefighter Personal Escape Systems

EAST HAVEN, CT—The East Haven Fire Department is the beneficiary of two national firefighter foundation grants, it was announced Monday.

The Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and the Leary Firefighters Foundation made a $23,140 grant award to the department to purchase personal escape systems, commonly known as “bailout kits,” for all career firefighters.

The grant will provide each career firefighter with a personal escape system designed to assist in emergency self-rescue when conventional exit routes become inaccessible during a structure fire.

"This grant represents an important investment in the safety of our firefighters. Providing every career firefighter with a personal escape system, along with the training to deploy it effectively, gives our members another critical tool when faced with a life-threatening emergency," East Haven Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli said. "We are extremely grateful to both foundations for their commitment to firefighter safety."

Following the purchase, department personnel will receive hands-on training in the proper deployment and use of the equipment.

"Protecting the men and women who put their lives on the line for our community must always be a priority," Mayor Joseph A. Carfora said. "This award helps ensure our firefighters have
access to critical lifesaving equipment and the training they need to use it. We thank both foundations for their generosity and for helping East Haven continue to invest in the safety of our first responders."

About the Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation

The Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation joeydfoundation.org also known as the Joey D Foundation, honors the legacy of FDNY Lieutenant Joseph P. “Joey
D” DiBernardo. On January 23, 2005, DiBernardo was critically injured while responding to the Bronx apartment fire known as “Black Sunday,” during which firefighters became trapped and were forced to jump from an upper floor. After years of living with severe injuries sustained in the incident, he died on November 22, 2011. His commitment to firefighter safety and his advocacy for personal escape systems inspired the foundation’s mission to provide firefighters with lifesaving equipment and training.

About the Leary Firefighters Foundation

The Leary Firefighters Foundation learyfirefighters.org established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary, was created in response to the tragic Worcester, Massachusetts, warehouse fire that claimed the lives of six firefighters, including Leary’s cousin, Michael C. Leary. The foundation supports fire departments nationwide by providing essential equipment, technology, and training to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness.

In a news release, the fire department extended its "sincere appreciation to both foundations for their generosity and continued commitment to protecting those who protect our communities."