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Since September 11, Americans have a renewed respect for the profession
of firefighting. Wearing helmets, heavy coats, and an arsenal of
equipment, firefighters save lives, protect property, and serve
their community. All who watch them work are reminded of the danger
firefighters are willing to put themselves in every day.
FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program is designed
to support firefighters throughout the country. FEMA is providing
financial support so fire departments can obtain the resources they
need to serve their communities.
This program also recognizes how increasingly complex and dangerous
firefighter jobs have become. The FEMA grants awards are used to
buy needed equipment, implement fire protection and safety programs
as well as health and fitness initiatives. The awards can range
from $800 for ladders to hundreds of thousands of dollars for high
tech protective gear and communications equipment.
“As recent history has shown us, this nation’s fire departments
are the first responders in almost every emergency, “ said
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. “Through this award program,
President Bush has provided FEMA the opportunity to significantly
improve the safety of these men and women, and the Fire and EMS
services they provide to Americans.”
The program was created in 2001 after Congress passed legislation
allocating $100 million for the grants. This year FEMA, along with
the U.S. Fire Administration will award $330 million to 5,500 fire
departments. Nearly 20,000 fire departments applied, submitting
requests totaling $2.98 billion. Grant applications are reviewed
by panelists from fire service organizations, based on the financial
needs of the applicant and an analysis of the benefits that would
result from the award.
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