Homeland Security Announces Additional Aid To Firefighters
Maryland community receives nearly $140,000 to assist local fire department
Release Date: February 20, 2004
Release Number: R3-04-026
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 81 grants to fire departments throughout the United States in the 34th round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The announcement included an award for the Maryland community of Cumberland.
“We continue to distribute these important funds to the nation’s first responders,” said Brown. “President Bush’s request and the appropriation by Congress of these funds demonstrate their commitment to support America’s firefighters.”
This 34th round of grants provides more than $6 million to help local fire departments. The grants are used to purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs. Since June, nearly 8,500 fire departments have received more than $679 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve.
A grant has been made available to the following fire department (location in parentheses) in Maryland:
- Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department (Cumberland), Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety, $139,319
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Fire departments with 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. For the most current information regarding these grant awards, or other USFA projects, visit www.usfa.fema.gov or enroll in the USFA email distribution list serve to receive news releases from the USFA.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 20-Feb-2004 08:36:41