Press Release of Senator Lugar Harrison Township Volunteer Fire & Rescue receives $ 149,435 grant Wednesday, July 29, 2009 U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced today that the Volunteer Fire and Rescue of Harrison Township in Martinsville will receive a $ 149,435 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The funding will be used for operations and safety.   “First responders are the backbone of our communities and it is vital to ensure they have the proper equipment and training,” Lugar said.   AFG funds are utilized by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations, and to improve firefighter health and safety programs.   In Fiscal Year 2008 AFG was administered by FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The AFG program provides grants on a competitive basis to rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.   Fire departments with questions about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program may reach the fire grants help desk toll free at 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov.  For the most current information regarding the AFGP, visit www.firegrantsupport.com.   Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Andrew Mills, Grants Coordinator, by phone at 202-224-4814 or by email at grants@lugar.senate.gov.   ###