DENTON, TX -- Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $173,865 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program to local fire departments and organizations in the state of Texas. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2008 AFG awards will provide approximately $500 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.
"This direct funding is essential to train and equip our first responders who protect lives and property against all hazards in our communities each day," said U.S. Fire Administration's Acting Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. "The USFA and FEMA will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to support America's firefighters through these critical grant funds."
This week's round of the national Assistance to Firefighters Grants amount to $21,048,139 and includes grants provided to the following fire departments and organizations in Texas from the:
FY 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program
City of Orange FD, Orange Operations and Safety $ 41,202
FY 2008 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Program
Commerce Fire Department, Commerce Fire Prevention $ 9,257
City of Sherman, Sherman Fire Prevention $ 16,310
City of Wylie Fire Rescue, Wylie Fire Prevention $ 18,000
City of Waco - Fire Department, Waco Fire Prevention $ 32,740
Grapevine Fire Department ,Grapevine Fire Prevention $ 56,356
The Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is an important component of the Administration's larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation's overall level of preparedness. The AFG is designed 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.
The Department of Homeland Security's Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.
These grant programs are administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grant Programs Directorate and the United States Fire Administration. The full list of past and current recipients and other Assistance to Firefighter Grant program information is posted on the AFG website at (www.firegrantsupport.com).
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.