Washington Fire Departments Receive Over $484,000 Through FEMA's Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program 

Release Date: August 10, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-040

» 2007 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $484,666 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Washington. 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.

This week's round of FY 2007 fire grants are being awarded to 164 fire departments and organizations nationwide, with an additional 36 awards being distributed from the FY 2006 funding.

"The recent challenges faced by Minneapolis firefighters and first responders, reminds all of us to the importance of these much needed federal grants," said United States Fire Administrator Greg Cade.  "Responding to all emergencies requires the best equipment, training and management of resources are available to this nation's firefighters.  We do not know which department will face today's emergencies, but these funds will make it possible for the firefighters to have the right tools to do the right things to protect people as we continue to build a culture of preparedness at the local level."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program includes grants to the fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Washington for:

FY 2007 AFG Awards

Pacific County Fire District #4

Vehicle Acquisition

$185,494

Naselle

Grant County Fire District #10

Operations and Safety

$67,165

Royal City

Asotin County Fire Protection District #1

Operations and Safety

$28,197

Clarkston

Steilacoom Department of Public Safety

Operations and Safety

$8,550

Steilacoom

 

FY 2006 AFG Awards

Union Gap Fire Department

Operations and Safety

$167,157

Union Gap

Stevens County Fire Protection District #12

Operations and Safety

$28,103

Rice

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, 10-Aug-2007 15:08:27