Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) encourages Connecticut fire departments to start the application process for this year’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.
“SAFER grants help keep our communities safe by providing the necessary funding to ensure that our fire departments are adequately staffed and prepared to respond to emergencies,” said Dodd. “I strongly urge Connecticut fire departments to apply for these grants to help alleviate the financial burdens that our fire departments have experienced due to state and local budget shortfalls.”
Last year, Dodd championed changes to the SAFER program to make grants more accessible to local fire departments during these tough economic times. Provisions included in the stimulus bill and the Department of Homeland Security funding bill modified the SAFER program to waive the cost-sharing requirements for fire departments, allow funds to be used for rehiring laid-off firefighters or fill positions that have been eliminated, and extend the duration of the grants.
Senator Dodd has a long history of advocating for fire safety. In 2003, Dodd authored the SAFER Act, a law that gives local fire departments the ability to alleviate critical shortfalls in professional and volunteer personnel. Dodd also authored the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Act in 2000, which gives local fire departments the ability to purchase new equipment and initiate education and training programs. Earlier this year, Dodd introduced the Fire Grant Reauthorization Act of 2010, which would reauthorize both programs for five years.
The SAFER Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and fire-related hazards. The application period closes on September 17, 2010 at 5:00 P.M. Connecticut Fire Departments should visit www.firegrantsupport.com for more information on applying.
