Connecticut Fire Departments Receive More Than $200,000 in Firefighter Assistance Grants from FEMA
Release Date: November 16, 2007
Release Number: R1-07-038
BOSTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $203,602 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to a local fire department in the state of Connecticut. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.
"As the holiday season rapidly approaches, now is a wonderful time for all residents of the nation to check smoke alarms and review home fire escape plans to ensure we all have a safe holiday season," said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "I encourage all residents to review important holiday cooking, heating and decorating recommendations by the FEMA, the USFA, state and local fire officials throughout the nation. Together, we can make this a safe holiday season."
This week's round of national fire grants total nearly $14.7 million and includes grants to the following fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Connecticut for:
| Willimantic Fire Department | Operations and Safety | $84,852 | Willimantic |
| Willington Hill Fire Department | Vehicle Acquisition | $118,750 | Willington |
AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles. AFG also supports regional projects in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from activities implemented with grant funds.
Since FY 2001, and including FY 2007, over $3.3 billion in AFG funding has been distributed to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities. AFG is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the National Preparedness Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.
The full list of FY 2007 AFG recipients and other information is posted on the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com) .
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 16-Nov-2007 12:07:14