Grant Benefits Fire Department

East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey joined the town’s fire chief, John Oates, as executives from Smith Brothers Insurance Inc. and Fireman’s Fund presented the East Hartford Fire Department with a $5,400 grant. The funds are earmarked to help purchase upgraded fire hose and nozzles that will provide an increase in water flow to reach the top of high-rise buildings during fires. With several of these large buildings in the fire department’s coverage area including some of which provide housing for senior citizens, this equipment is critical to the department’s rescue efforts. Pictured, from left, are: Kim Connolly, executive vice president, Smith Brothers Insurance; Amy Malanaphy, territorial sales director, Fireman’s Fund; East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey; East Hartford Fire Chief John Oates; Joe Smith, president, Smith Brothers Insurance; John Kelleher, life and health producer, Smith Brothers Insurance; Dave Hollenbaugh, director, special accounts, Smith Brothers Insurance.