Deadline for first responder grants approaching

Fire companies/EMS stations have until April 4^th to apply for funds

Local volunteer fire companies and emergency medical responders have until April 4^th to apply for more than $500 million in federal 2008 Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG), according to state Senator Bob Regola (R-39).

AFG grants are available through the federal Department of Homeland Security.  The program is separate from the state’s Volunteer Fire Company Grant Program, which provides $25 million in grants annually.

In 2007, 469 Pennsylvania organizations received more than $42,490,157 in grants from the program.  The grants enable firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

“I strongly urge all local fire companies and ambulance services to apply for these grants.  The funding is available to assist in the purchase vehicles and essential equipment,” said Sen. Regola, who was the prime sponsor of the Senate version of a 2007 law that reauthorized Pennsylvania’s fire/EMS grant program for five years.

Applicants may submit two separate applications for consideration under each of the following two program areas:

Operations and Safety Program Area:  Eligible activities for fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations are limited to training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to facilities.

Vehicle Acquisition Program Area:  Eligible apparatus available to fire departments under this program area include, but are not limited to, pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

Companies may also apply for a regional project through which multiple organizations, serving more than one local jurisdiction, may benefit directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds.

To apply for the program, or for more information on the AFG program, applicants can go to www.firegrantsupport.com.  The website contains important information about the AFG including the FY 2008 funding priorities and program guidance, a web-based tutorial on the application process, a listing of frequently asked questions and other materials.

Fire departments that have questions regarding this grant opportunity can also contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email to firegrants@dhs.gov.  During the application period, Help Desk hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Contact:  Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063