Delaware Fire Department Gets Assistance To Firefighters Grant 

Release Date: December 5, 2003
Release Number: R3-03-134

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 177 grants to fire departments throughout the United States in the 25 th round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

The announcement included an award of $155,072 for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety to the Harrington Fire Co., Inc., in Delaware.

"This direct funding is essential to train and equip our first responders who protect lives and property against all hazards in our communities each day," said Brown. "President Bush, Secretary Ridge and I remain steadfast in our commitment to support America's firefighters and appreciate Congress' leadership in appropriating these grant monies."

This 25 th round of grants provides more than $17 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 6,600 fire departments have received almost $495 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), administers the Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program. A list of all award recipients is posted on the USFA web site at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants.

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, 05-Dec-2003 12:35:11