Press Release
Release Date: November 6, 2003Contact: Tom Olshanski, USFA
(202) 329-8102
The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General Completes Assessment of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
FEMA and USFA Have "Established an Equitable and Dynamic Process"
WASHINGTON, DC - Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced the completion, by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security, of the first Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assessment. The report can be located at http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/OIG_Review_Fire_Assist.pdf
"The results of this assessment should serve as wonderful news to our nation's fire service. These results would not have been possible without the commitments of so many in the fire service who have contributed their expertise, time and recommendations to the current AFG process," said Brown. "President Bush, Secretary Ridge, Congress and FEMA have significant commitments to providing firefighters with the critical financial support. To have this evaluation after several years of dedication and commitment, is a compliment to all firefighters and their can-do approach to the complex challenges faced by all Americans."
The Assistance to 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, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.
"Since the first year of the AFG Program in 2001, the nation's fire service has received direct financial assistance to support the efforts of all firefighters," according to US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. "I wish to thank all of those individuals, including DHS, FEMA and USFA staff, who have helped make this program as successful as the assessment indicated. But our work is not complete. We will review recommendations from this report, and continue to assist the fire service responding to all emergencies."
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Updated: June 23, 2004 01:40 PM
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