Pippy: Deadline Approaching for Local Fire and EMS Companies to Apply for Grants
Deadline to apply is April 4.

Harrisburg – State Sen. John Pippy (R-37) said today that local volunteer fire companies and emergency responders have until April 4 to apply for financial support through the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

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

“Volunteer firefighters and EMS technicians are dedicated to protecting lives and property, and rely on strong community support to do their vital jobs safely and efficiently. These federal grants, as well as state grants, supplement that community support,” said Pippy. “AFG funds can be used for equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other needs. The application period is open for only a month, so I encourage local volunteer fire and EMS companies to look into it and apply as soon as possible.”

Pippy said interested 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 FEMA’s Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, Help Desk hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pippy: Deadline Approaching for Local Fire and EMS Companies to Apply for Grants Deadline to apply is April 4.

Pippy: Deadline Approaching for Local Fire and EMS Companies to Apply for Grants
Deadline to apply is April 4.