SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR RYE FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

(Washington, D.C.) –   U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the Rye Fire and Rescue Department has been awarded $343,760 for recruitment through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“Having the necessary men and women needed to protect Rye and respond to emergencies is a top priority for the fire department,” Shaheen said. “I am pleased that these funds will be used to add new firefighters to the department who are committed to keeping the community and its families safe.”

“The recruitment and retention of volunteer and part-time firefighters and emergency medical personnel is a major problem for the nation’s fire service. The fire and rescue service of Rye, New Hampshire is no exception,” said William Sullivan, Rye Fire Chief. “Hopefully this generous award by FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will help us to recruit, train and maintain a strong nucleus of ten new on-call personnel.”

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; 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.