SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES LANCASTER FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE $475,000 FOR VEHICLE ACQUISITION
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that the Lancaster Fire Department has been awarded $475,000 through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for vehicle acquisition.
"New Hampshire's firefighters are working every day to make sure our communities are safe," said Shaheen. "It is crucial they have the funding and equipment required to keep themselves safe and to continue to do their important jobs."
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.
"The money from the grant, coupled with the money provided by the Town of Lancaster, will allow us to purchase a new ladder truck. The ladder truck being purchased will enhance the response capabilities of the department and allow us to more effectively protect the health and safety of the local and regional residents with respect to fire and other hazards," said Steven Jones, Captain of the Lancaster Fire Department. "We would like to thank Senator Shaheen's office for all their assistance in receiving this grant."
The Vehicle Acquisition Program provides funding to help fire departments acquire new, used or refurbished firefighting vehicles or ambulances, or to refurbish a vehicle the department or organization currently owns.
In Fiscal Year 2010, the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will award approximately $390 million directly to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
