ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT AWARDS ANNOUNCED TO AID AMERICA'S FIREFIGHTERS

Over 3000 Fire Departments Receive Over $202 Million in First 12 Weeks

Washington, DC - Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 402 grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. this week in the twelfth round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. To date, over 3000 fire departments have received over $202 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-service/grants/2003grants/03awards.shtm

"In just 12 short weeks, over 3000 fire departments are receiving critical funding appropriated by Congress and signed into law by President Bush," said Under Secretary Brown. "This funding shows not only the commitment of Homeland Security through FEMA to distribute these funds quickly, but underlines a commitment by President Bush and Secretary Ridge to firefighters of this nation."

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.

Fire departments having questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960, or via email at usfagrants@fema.gov <mailto:usfagrants@fema.gov>. For the most current information regarding these grant awards, and any of the many other USFA projects, visit www.usfa.fema.gov