Senator Carper Urges AFG Applicants to Submit Grant Requests for FY2015

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, highlighted the opening of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) application process for Fiscal Year 2015 and encouraged applicants to submit their grant requests. The application period is open from December 7, 2015 through January 15, 2016. 

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program helps provide our firefighters and emergency service operators with the tools and resources they need to protect the public and save lives,” Sen. Carper said. “Our firefighters and first responders across the First State put their lives on the line to protect our communities and families. It’s important that they have the appropriate equipment, training, and resources necessary to do their job in a safe and effective manner. I urge our firefighters and first responders across Delaware to submit their applications and continue utilizing this program.”

The grant, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides funding for projects designed to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public. Since its creation in 2001, AFG aims to reduce injury and prevent death by directly fulfilling firefighting and emergency response capabilities of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

For the FY2015 application period, AFG grant applicants can find guidance and applications kit at www.grants.gov and http://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grant. FEMA has also offered a “Get Ready Guide,” which helps to clarify the process for potential applicants and provide additional direction.