For weeks now, grant writers in fire and EMS stations around the nation have been preparing for AFG 2023 with much consternation.
Hectically preparing for the holidays in fear that they would be unwrapping presents while writing for new gear.
Then word was heard far and near, by someone thinking that they were spreading cheer that AFG would open the day after the new year.
This news again proved to be fake, but those words really didn’t give those grant writers much of a break.
Getting a clear date when this grant was to open was hard to do because no words about it were being spoken.
Then Thursday I saw Santa and asked with a smile, “St. Nick, could you please find out the opening date of AFG so EMS and firefighters can celebrate the holidays with their families in style?”
Much to my surprise the following night out on my roof there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my couch to see what was the matter.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it had to be St. Nick.
Then I heard him say, I have good news from D.C. for all my firefighters and EMTs – January 29 is the opening AFG date, so take a few days to celebrate.
But don’t delay and be late, with things that register like SAM and Duns because of the time it can take to get them straight.
Another present I have for my first responder friends is news that micro-grants will get larger to keep up with rising price trends.
$75K instead of $50K will be the new micro-grant limit, I hope all my fire and EMS friends are listening to this important tidbit.
Another priority will be regional grants for PPE, that help stretch grants so more can be funded by AFG.
And when it comes to vehicles all shiny new and red, the voice of the man from the sled was “Keep your prices basic or a turndown letter for your request lies ahead.”
Then he sprang to his sleigh and to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, “FP&S and SAFER will open together in March so Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!”
