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Date:09/10/04
Homeland Security Announces Additional FY 2003 Assistance To Firefighters WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary Tom Ridge announced 32 additional grants totaling over $3.6 million to fire departments this week from the fiscal year 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) Program. Since June of 2003, over 8,600 fire departments have received over $693 million from the 2003 AFG program to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters. "President Bush and I strongly support the critical mission of our nation's firefighters. Through these funds, we will ensure that our nation's emergency responders have the equipment and training they need to respond to all hazards," said Secretary Ridge. The 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. The 2003 funds were used by the nation's firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fund firefighter health and safety programs, acquire new fire apparatus, support emergency medical service programs, and fund fire prevention and safety programs. "We continue to work closely with the fire service to meet their needs through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "Even as the fire service is receiving grant awards from the 2004 program, President Bush, Secretary Ridge and I remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure every dollar possible from past programs is distributed to this nation's firefighters." Fire departments with questions regarding the FY 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960, or via e-mail at firegrants@dhs.gov. For the most current information regarding the AFG program and other USFA projects, visit www.usfa.fema.gov or enroll in the USFA e-mail distribution listserv for the most current news releases. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. |
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