Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program Gears Up For 2004

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is encouraging local Idaho fire departments to apply for $750 million in grant funds. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is geared toward helping rural, urban and suburban fire departments increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, improve firefighter health and safety programs, and establish or expand fire prevention and safety programs. â??Today, Idaho fire departments are faced with extremely complex terrorism response and preparedness requirements,â?? Crapo said. â??The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program ensures that firefighters will have the training and support they need to further protect Idahoâ??s residents and cities.  These grants can help reduce preventable losses by providing the important tools and programs our firefighters need to protect Idaho communities. Since these grants have been instituted, a number of Idaho communities have benefited from the funds available for training and other programs.â??The program is sponsored by the U.S. Fire Administration and funding is available to fire service personnel through the Department of Homeland Security Office for Domestic Preparedness. As in past years, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application and Guidance are automated and are accessible from both the ODP and USFA websites. Additionally, the websites contain other useful background information on the AFGP, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions and the currently scheduled AFGP workshops. Fire departments that have questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program should contact the fire grant help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. # # #