SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES PITTSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE NEARLY $120,000 FOR VEHICLE ACQUISITION

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that the Pittsfield Fire Department has been awarded $118,750 through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for Vehicle Acquisition.

"New Hampshire families depend on our brave firefighters and first responders to keep our communities safe," said Shaheen.  "We must ensure that they have the resources they need to continue to do their jobs safely and effectively."

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 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.

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/.