$340 million available for staffing needs, $34 million for fire prevention and safety programs
U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice today announced the application periods for Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants and Fire Prevention & Safety (FPS) grants. The SAFER grant program will provide $340 million directly to fire departments to help rehire firefighters who were laid off during the recession and maintain safe staffing levels. The FPS grant program will provide $34 million to support fire prevention and safety activities and firefighter safety research and development activities. Further information about the grants and application periods can be found below the statement from Representative Rice.
Statement from Representative Kathleen Rice:
“As our economy continues to recover, it’s crucial that we support local fire departments as they work to rehire firefighters who were laid off during the recession, recruit new firefighters and maintain safe staffing levels,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “These SAFER and FPS grants will fund activities that make our communities safer and help protect the heroic men and women who risk their lives to protect us. I urge all eligible departments and organizations in our district to apply. You can contact our office for assistance with the application process, and we’ll do everything we can to fight for the funds you need.”
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program will provide $340 million directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter support groups for the purpose of increasing the number of frontline firefighters, rehiring firefighters who were laid off during the recession, and recruiting and retaining new firefighters. The application period for SAFER grants will begin on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH and will close on MARCH 6TH. For more information on SAFER grants and the application process, visit: https://www.fema.gov/staffing-adequate-fire-emergency-response-grants
DHS’s Fire Prevention & Safety (FPS) grant program will provide $34 million for fire prevention and safety activities, as well as firefighter safety research and development activities. Eligible applicants for fire prevention and safety activities include fire departments and national, regional, state, local, Native American tribal organizations and/or community organizations with experience and expertise in fire prevention and safety programs. Eligible applicants for research and development activities include national, regional, state and local organizations, such as academic, public health, occupational health and injury prevention institutions, especially those that are recognized for their experience and expertise in firefighter safety research and development programs or whose applications demonstrate strong research and development experience and expertise with potential to improve firefighter safety. The application period for FPS grants will begin on MONDAY, MARCH 16TH and will close on APRIL 17TH. For more information on FPS and the application process, visit: http://www.fema.gov/fire-prevention-safety-grants