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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today the start of the fiscal year 2007 application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

“America’s firefighters play a pivotal role in keeping our communities safe and our country secure,” said Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson. “Local fire departments respond to a wide array of emergencies every day that require special skills, the safest equipment and place responders at great risk of injury and death. The AFG program provides federal resources to supplement local commitments towards ensuring the ability of America’s fire service to be ready for the full range of 21st Century risks.”

AFG awards assist first-responder organizations in purchasing response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles. Awards are allocated through two AFG programs. The Operations and Safety program prioritizes funding for activities such as training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. The Vehicle Acquisition program prioritizes funding for assets such as brush trucks, tankers and tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.  

 AFG awards are determined on a competitive basis. Fire service professionals representing the nine major fire service organizations select the applications that best fulfill AFG program priorities. Applicants will be encouraged to submit projects that involve more than one jurisdiction and further integrate regional response capabilities.

This application period ends May 4. Applications are available online at three locations: www.firegrantsupport.com, www.usfa.fema.gov and www.grants.gov.