PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island firefighters and emergency medical services personnel are encouraged to apply for federal funding through the 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed said this week.
The $306 million allotted for this grant is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With the awarded money, recipients can update and repair equipment and protective gear as well as acquire more emergency vehicles and training sessions, according to information from Reed’s office.
As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Reed helped acquire money for the AFG through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Since 2001, Rhode Island fire departments and first responders across the state have received more than $27 million to put toward new equipment and training as well as maintaining the resources they already have.
Reed also leads a workshop to aid potential applicants in the process of applying for the AFG as well as other competitive federal assistance programs. Rhode Island fire departments interested in applying for the grant can find guidance at www.fema.gov/firegrants.
Applications for the AFG are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 15.
