FEMA Distributes More Than $140,000 To Rhode Island Fire Departments As National Preparedness Month Begins
Release Date: September 7, 2007
Release Number: R1-07-023
Boston, MA - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $142,845 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Rhode Island. 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 marks the start of National Preparedness Month. This is a time in which first responders, regional, state and national emergency management officials look to ensure all homes and business are prepared for any and all hazards they may face, both natural and man-made," according to US Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "One of the major efforts to further prepare our firefighters is through the AFG program which provides the much needed resources and assistance our community fire departments need to ensure they are prepared to respond to any and all emergencies."
This week's round of national fire grants total over $32 million distributed to departments throughout the ten (10) FEMA Regional offices.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program includes grants to the fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Rhode Island for:
| Exeter Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 | Operations and Safety | $63,175 | Exeter |
| Johnston Fire Department | Operations and Safety | $79,650 | Concord |
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) .
Last Modified: Friday, 07-Sep-2007 10:03:13