FEMA Awards Four Grants, Totaling $565,000, To Washington State Fire Departments

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $565,000 in four separate Assistance-to-Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Washington. 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.» 2008 Region X News Releases

"In support of our firefighters, who are often first on the scene in emergencies, we are assisting in providing critical resources directly into local fire departments and the neighborhoods they serve," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "These grants underscore FEMA's continued commitment to provide first responders with the resources needed to serve their residents in disasters of all type, both natural and man-made."

This week's round of national fire grants amounts to over $17 million and includes grants to the following fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Washington for:

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).

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.