SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR NORTH HAMPTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the North Hampton Fire Department has been awarded money for operations and safety through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security.

“The award that the North Hampton Fire Department has won through this competitive grant program will allow it to upgrade its equipment and better train its staff, allowing it to more effectively protect the community and keep its citizens safer,” Shaheen said.

North Hampton Fire Chief Dennis Cote said it was the largest grant the department had received from FEMA to date and was of great benefit to the community.  “With tough budgeting decisions to be made, this grant is incredibly helpful.  We will be able to replace aging and outdated fire and safety equipment which will allow us to protect and serve the community,” Cote said.

The North Hampton Fire Department will use its $84,731 grant to replace 20-year-old large diameter hose on its trucks, equip several of its trucks with headphones to help protect the hearing of its firefighters, and send at least two of its emergency medical technicians to paramedic school.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides funding to local fire departments to help them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.  All grants require a local match.