4 Virginia Departments Get Assistance To Firefighters Grants
Release Date: November 14, 2003
Release Number: R3-03-122
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 193 grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. in the 22nd round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
Included in the announcement were awards totaling $333,449 for four communities in Virginia, including grants to Brandy Station, Faber, Martinsville and Orange
"Our nation's firefighters don't hesitate to answer the call to service when lives and property are threatened. To ensure the safety of these first responders, we'll continue to provide funding through the fire grant program for equipment and training," said Brown. "President Bush, Secretary Ridge and I are committed to providing firefighters with the critical financial support they need to protect their communities against all hazards.
This 22nd round of grants provides over $14 million to help local fire departments fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs. Since June, more than 5,600 fire departments have received nearly $396 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters. The 2003 grants ultimately will total approximately 7,000 awards worth $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters nationwide.
Grants have been made available to the following fire departments in Virginia:
- Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Dept., Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety, $62,334
- Faber Volunteer Fire Dept., Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety, $92,843
- Dyers Store VFD in Martinsville, Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety, $114,102
- Orange Volunteer Fire Co., Inc., Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety, $64,170
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, 14-Nov-2003 15:58:12