Washington, D.C. – Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 232 grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. in this week’s ninth round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program. In just the last eight weeks, almost 2000 fire departments have received more than $125 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters.
“Our nation’s first responders serve a critical role in our homeland security. Thanks to President Bush and Congress, first responders are directly receiving millions of dollars to support their life-saving mission.,” said Under Secretary Brown. “This is a significant investment in the response capabilities and the safety of the men and women who answer the call to protect the residents of their communities.”
The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fire fighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.
Fire departments having questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at (866) 274-0960, or via email at usfagrants@fema.gov. For the most current information regarding these grant awards, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.
