FEMA Presents SITKA Fire Grant
Release Date: September 16, 2003
Release Number: R10-03-111
Anchorage, AK -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Director John Pennington will present the Sitka Volunteer Fire Department with a $85,536 grant to enhance fire operations and firefighter safety, Friday, September 19, 2003, 9:30 a.m. at their temporary 1306 Halibut Point Road Headquarters in Sitka, Alaska.
The FEMA Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Program is designed to increase the effectiveness of fire fighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, EMS programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.
"Our nation's firefighters are the first responders into almost every emergency," said FEMA Regional Director John Pennington. "Through this award program, President Bush and Congress have provided FEMA the opportunity to significantly enhance the Fire and EMS services they provide to Americans."
According to Sitka Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief David Miller, this grant will not only help Sitka. "Due to our inherent isolation, we've always operated as an independent, stand-alone firefighting operation, but have traditionally supported outlying communities," said Miller. "This grant will allow significant improvements in training and fitness levels of SFP staff, enhancing skills and improving our entire response package."
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Sep-2003 15:01:58