New London — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the city fire department a $151,644 grant for rescue training to be conducted in New London by the Connecticut Fire Academy.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, who, along with U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy, signed a letter of support for the grant application, made the announcement Friday during a visit to fire headquarters.

The funding comes through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and will cover training, instructional materials and equipment.

The bulk of the money, $114,168, will pay overtime and backfill costs, which will allow every member of the department to access the training.

The department has budgeted about $15,000 to meet the required funding match.

Fire Chief Henry Kydd said firefighters will acquire core training and certification in rescue operations, such skills to use rope rescue equipment.

Kydd and Fire Lt. Rocco Basilica said the funding, along with other grants obtained through the years, help the department obtain training and needed equipment that would not otherwise be available because of a lack of funds.