Darien Technology & Community Foundation

2006 Grants: Stories of Success!

The Depot
Darien teens have a new place to hang their backpacks – the Depot's recently updated study caboose, which now boasts new desktop computers, workstations and a laser printer. This newly-installed technology, along with a DVD player, projection system and portable screen for movie nights, will give Darien teens yet another reason to stay connected to the safe, supportive and welcoming environment created at the Depot.

Fire Station
When the alarm sounds at one of Darien's three volunteer fire stations, firefighters will now leave their station wirelessly connected real-time to scene information, an electronically mapped route and nearest hydrant locations, thanks to the new mobile data units on board each truck. This new technology will help reduce response time and enable our firefighters to dispatch and receive critical scene updates real-time, forever changing the way our Fire Departments protect and serve our community.

Post 53
Minutes count when Post 53 responds to a call, and data critical to the treatment of an emergency patient can now seamlessly be transmitted from one of the Post's new on-board computers to the treating hospital, thanks to the new technology onboard each ambulance and flycar. This cutting-edge technology will increase the efficiency of one of Darien's preeminent volunteer organizations, and puts Post 53 ahead of schedule in meeting the CT mandate of paperless reporting.

Police Marine Patrol Boat
With the Police Department's marine patrol now required to be out on the water year-round, regardless of the weather, the need for technology that keeps our officers connected—and boaters safe, has never been greater. The up-to-date GPS, chart plotter, radar and other electronic and communications equipment on board the Police Department's new boat will enable our police to do their job of protecting our coastline, our residents and our boaters effectively, efficiently and safely.

ABC
ABC (A Better Chance) offers high school girls from under-resourced communities the opportunity to attend school and to benefit from all that our town has to offer. These girls live together in a supervised home in Darien and require access to computers to complete their school assignments (research, papers, presentations, college applications, etc.) and to stay in touch with family and friends. To meet this need, the DTF funded two new Dell Latitude laptop computers with 15” screens for the ABC house.