NH Delegation Announces More than $375K in Federal Funding to Support Granite State Firefighters

(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH),  a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $375,768 in federal funding to support Granite State firefighters. Through the agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the following cities and towns received grants: 

The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments in order to enhance safety for firefighters and the public. The grants can be used for training, equipment acquisition, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness activities and modifications of fire/EMS stations.  

“Each day, New Hampshire firefighters put their lives on the line to serve their communities. It’s imperative that they receive the resources and support they need to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible,” said Senator Shaheen, who helped secure these grants as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which is responsible for funding the AFG program. “I’m thrilled to announce this federal funding, which allows six New Hampshire fire departments to replace aging equipment and personal protective gear, safeguard firefighters’ health and more. I will always be a strong advocate in the Senate for the resources Granite State emergency first responders need to continue their critical work.”  

“New Hampshire’s fire fighters have been on the frontlines of the fight responding to the COVID-19 crisis facing incredible resource constraints,” said Senator Hassan. “As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I’ve been pushing to make sure our fire fighters get the support they need, and was pleased to help secure over $100 million in federal funding for AFG grants in the American Rescue Plan.” 

“Granite State firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, and it’s crucial that they have the resources they need to safely do their jobs,” said Representative Kuster. “I’m proud to help announce this federal funding for six New Hampshire fire departments, including Nashua, Bristol, and Northwood, to ensure they have the protective equipment they need. I will continue working to advocate for the needs of New Hampshire first responders and those who are on the frontlines working to keep us safe.” 

“Granite State firefighters and first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe,” said Representative Pappas. “These grants will make sure our first responders have the training, equipment, and funding they need to do their jobs and ensure their safety. I remain committed to working in a bipartisan manner to support first responders and secure the resources they need.” 

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen has consistently fought to support New Hampshire firefighters. In funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2021 that was passed by Congress and signed into law in December, Shaheen bolstered funding for the program, securing $360 million for the AFG program. The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments in order to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public. Shaheen frequently advocates for New Hampshire fire departments to receive awards through this program. The Senator also helped include $360 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) program, which provides grants directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities.   

Senator Hassan is working to support fire fighters and emergency responders. Earlier this year, Senator Hassan led efforts to include $300 million in the American Rescue Plan for FEMA grant programs that provide resources to fire fighters across the country to help with hiring, retention, and critical supplies. In addition, Senator Hassan introduced legislation to guarantee collective bargaining rights for fire fighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Earlier this summer, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that Senator Maggie Hassan and her colleagues introduced to help protect firefighters from hazardous PFAS chemicals.