Blunt Encourages Missouri First Responder Community to Apply for Federal Equipment

Gov. Matt Blunt announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be accepting proposals from law enforcement, fire and other emergency responders to apply for free equipment through. the Federal FY'07 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program.
"I encourage Missouri first responders to take advantage of this unique program," Blunt said. "The public safety community can benefit from this equipment to help them serve, protect and save lives. This equipment will also help provide the protection our emergency personnel need to do their jobs in life-threatening situations."

Equipment available for first responders to apply for includes personal protective equipment, thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance, chemical and biological detection, information technology and risk management tools, interoperable communications equipment.

This competitive program is a direct assistance program, not a grant program, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide the equipment and technical assistance directly to the selected jurisdictions. The federal guidelines state eligible applicants include law enforcement agencies, fire, and other emergency responders who demonstrate that the equipment will be used to improve their ability and capacity to respond to a major critical incident or work with other first responders.

Applications may be downloaded and submitted via the Internet at www.rkb.mipt.orgbetween April 25th -May 29th. Anyone with questions regarding the CEDAP application can call Centralized Scheduling & Information Desk (CSID) at 800-368-6498 .