U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $208,031 in grant funding for three Maine fire departments. The funding is provided through the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” or FIRE Act.
The Department will receive funding through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments’ facilities.
“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is an extremely critical source of funds for Maine’s fire and rescue personnel,” noted Senator Collins. “This grant will help provide our critical first responders with the equipment and training that they need to better serve their communities.”
Funding will be distributed as follows:
• Bangor Fire Department will receive $135,000
• Carmel Fire Department will receive $1,639
• St. Agatha Fire Department will receive $71,392
Senator Collins strongly supported the creation of the FIRE Act Grant program. These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment.
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