#Bridgeport Connecticut–Mayor Joe Ganim joined Connecticut US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and Bridgeport Fire Chief Richard Thode today to present the 23 new Bridgeport fire recruits who have been selected to begin training at the Connecticut state fire academy. The new class is a diverse group made up almost entirely of Bridgeport residents, and includes military veterans, second chance returning citizens, and descendants of Bridgeport firefighters. Funding to hire most of the recruit class comes from a federal SAFER grant of $2.7 Million awarded to Bridgeport by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grant funds the training and salaries of 17 of the new recruits. With the new recruits completing their training, Bridgeport’s Fire Department will reach a full manning level of 288 firefighters.