Image courtesy of National Volunteer Fire Council
A federally funded grant program for certain first responder groups are now available.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the 2019 fiscal year. Any fire departments, fire districts and non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services transport organizations are encouraged to apply. The competitive grants allocate funds to help with training, equipment, personal protective gear, wellness and fitness and fire station modifications. Funds can also be used for acquiring additional firefighting or EMS vehicles, or refurbishing an apparatus that is currently owned by a department or organization.
Groups looking to apply must provide at least a five-percent match, have a System for Award Management (SAM) registration, a Central Contractor Registration (CCR) award, comply with all National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements and report to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.
Additionally, those organizations that are in the Region XII Council of Governments can assist departments in applying for the grant. The deadline for applications is March 13th at 4pm. Click the link below to find additional information.