SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $650,000 FOR MANCHESTER-AREA FIRE SAFETY
Manchester Fire Department to receive $625,800 for equipment upgrades
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that the Manchester Fire Department and Candia Fire-Rescue Department have been awarded $625,800 and $38,000, respectively, through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for operations and safety. The grant for the Manchester Fire Department will be used to fund the replacement of unsafe and outdated Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units with new SCBA units that meet the standards of the National Fire Protection Association. Shaheen sent a letter in support of the Manchester Fire Department's grant application earlier this month.
"Our firefighters deserve the best training and equipment we can offer, and these grants will ensure that Manchester and Candia emergency responders have the resources necessary to safely and effectively perform their duties," said Shaheen. "Cities and towns throughout New Hampshire need these funds in order to keep their communities safe, and I am pleased to support their efforts."
"This Homeland Security grant will allow us to purchase brand new, state of the art breathing apparatus units, which is one of the most important pieces of equipment for firefighter safety," said James Burkush, Chief of the Manchester Fire Department. "Our equipment is more than 15 years old and has safety deficiencies, and I would like to thank the delegation for their support."
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 Operations and Safety Program provides funding for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.
