Zak Fund Grant Benefits Emergency Services

The Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund has awarded $72,000 in grants to nine different Suffield groups and organizations. The grants support projects ranging from improved radio communications for emergency service providers and domestic abuse prevention to a new food pantry.

A new, 90-foot radio tower at the will provide the group with its own communication apparatus as well as a backup for the system at the main firehouse on Mountain Road. The new tower was made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Zak Fund.

“The goal of this project is to provide dependable communication with our responding members and equipment along with our fellow emergency service departments in Suffield,” said Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association Chief Art Groux.

The ambulance association serves the town of Suffield and surrounding communities with more than 2,500 service hours per month. Founded in 1976, the private, non-profit group has about 80 active volunteers that maintain state certification in emergency response.

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The Zak Fund also gave grants for the following projects as listed in a press release from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The foundation administers grants from the Zak Fund and many others across the greater Hartford area.

• Connecticut Landmarks – $10,000 for fence restoration at the Phelps Hatheway House. 

• – $10,000 for computers and software for the library’s new computer lab.

• Network against Domestic Abuse of North Central CT – $10,000 to support education presentations in Suffield schools.

• – $5,000 for the new Crossroads Food Pantry. 

• Suffield Public Library Foundation – $3,000 for computer hardware and software to support fundraising.

• Town of Suffield – $3,000 for a secure metal storage vault for training and patrol equipment for the Police Department K-9 unit vehicle.

• The Around Town Singers and Orchestra – $3,000 for wireless microphones.

• Friends of the Farm at Hilltop – $3,000 for fencing and signage.

More than $576,000 in grants has been awarded since Michael Zak started the Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund in 2002. Amiel Zak taught at Suffield High School for 35 years, served on many different local boards and commissions and held elected positions as well.