For Immediate Release:

Thursday, July 17, 2003

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today announced that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Fund will provide $568,909 to fire departments throughout Washington State. The federal funds will be used to support firefighters’ important roles as emergency first responders in the communities they serve.

The funds will support firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire equipment, Emergency Medical Service programs and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has supported full funding for the Assistance for Firefighters Program. For the Fiscal year 2003, the Department of Homeland Security distributed $750 million in firefighter grants program, a significant increase from the $360 million in grants announced last year.

“Washington’s firefighters perform dangerous duty, and they deserve the best training and equipment we can provide,” Senator Murray said. “I am proud to have supported this important funding and I am pleased to announce these grants to help Washington state firefighters protect themselves and their communities.”

The following Washington State fire departments will receive federal funding:

Town of Hamilton Fire Department $31,549
Day Creek (Sedro Woolley) $31,500
Snohomish County Fire Protection District #28 $101,578
Vancouver Fire Department $377,510
Klickitat County Fire Protection District #5 $26,772

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is distributed by the Department of Homeland Security and administered by the U.S. Fire Administration.