Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), and Thomas Carper (D-DE) authored an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that will provide $10 million more in funding for grants to local fire departments for equipment and training. The amendment, which passed unanimously last night, will ensure $390 million in funding is provided for the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) grant program next year.
The Department of Homeland Security funding bill for next year also included $420 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program to increase the number of firefighting personnel—a funding level double the amount appropriated for 2009. This robust funding for fire fighter personnel will help to stem the tide of layoffs throughout Connecticut, ensuring that the state’s communities can be protected by an adequate number of dedicated firefighters. Earlier this year, Congress approved $210 million in fire station construction grants in the economic recovery package through the FIRE grant program.
“It is essential that even in these times of economic hardship, we must not forget the brave fire fighters that set out to keep our communities safe,” said Dodd. “We must remember to make them a priority by ensuring that fire departments across Connecticut and the country are adequately funded.”
“Our first responders – those brave men and women who race into the face of danger when everyone else races away from it – need all the resources we can provide them, even in tough economic times,” Lieberman said. “Our ability to protect the safety of all Americans is still not where it should be, so these grants help enormously by paying for essential equipment, vehicles and training for firefighters at almost 5,000 fire houses in Connecticut and throughout the nation.”
“I’m pleased that the Senate has stepped up to the plate and increased the amount of money available for aid to fire companies,” said Carper. “With states and localities across the country struggling with serious budget challenges, firefighters need this help now more than ever. The important work that these brave men and women do to keep us safe must continue, regardless of the state of our economy. This additional funding we’ve provided will ensure that firefighters continue to be a priority.”
Senators Dodd and Lieberman have a long history of advocating for fire safety. In 2000, Dodd authored and Lieberman cosponsored the FIRE Act, which gives local fire departments the ability to purchase new equipment and initiate education and training programs. In 2003, Dodd authored and Lieberman cosponsored the SAFER Act, a law that gives local fire departments the ability to alleviate critical shortfalls in professional and volunteer personnel. Since the SAFER and FIRE Acts were enacted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has distributed over 480 grants for a total of more than $51 million in Connecticut to help fire departments strengthen their response capabilities.
