Five Eastern Connecticut fire departments will benefit from a new round of federal grants totaling more than $887,000, U.S. Rep Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced this week.

Fire departments in Chester, Preston, New London, Norwich and Stafford will receive funds dispersed through Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The funding is being used for the purchase of new safety equipment and lifesaving medical devices and to pay for training.

The City of Norwich Fire Department will receive $379,901 for training and certification in rapid intervention techniques used to rescue firefighters in the event of becoming trapped or disorientated in a fire.

The New London Fire Department was awarded $95,545 to pay for fire instructor classes. In Preston, the Poquetanuck Volunteer Fire Department will receive $45,714 to purchase CPR compression devices. The Chester Hose Company will receive $127,428 to support the purchase of new firefighter breathing apparatuses.The West Stafford Fire Department is receiving $18,571 to purchase a new washer and dryer for the department’s firefighting gear.

“On the heels of newly enhanced benefits for firefighters and police officers through the bipartisan Protecting Our First Responders Act, this new round of federal AFG grants represents another important source of support for our firefighters and fire stations,” Courtney said in a statement.