WASHINGTON — FEMA announced $648 million in grant funding to help fire departments and other first responder agencies strengthen emergency response nationwide. The money will support staffing, equipment purchases, responder health and wellness programs, and fire prevention and safety efforts.
The funding will be distributed through three separate FEMA grant programs, the agency said in a press release.
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“When a disaster strikes, firefighters and other first responders are often the first ones on the scene, making them a critical component of every community’s emergency response capabilities,” Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, Robert Fenton said. “These heroes put their lives on the line every day for all of us, and FEMA is proud to support them. The funding announced today will help fire departments across the country hire more trained staff, buy better equipment and keep their workforce healthier.”
FEMA will award $291.6 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants to help fire departments and EMS agencies buy equipment, vehicles and fund responder safety programs.
$324 million in SAFER grants will be awarded to help fire departments and volunteer organizations hire, recruit and retain firefighters.
Finally, FEMA will award $32.4 million in Fire Prevention and Safety grants for fire prevention research and firefighter safety, health and wellness programs.
Applications for all three grant programs open May 19 and close June 22. Eligible applicants can review the funding opportunities on Grants.gov and find application resources and webinar information on FEMA.gov.
