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Congressman Tim Bishop announced the opening June 11 of the application period for federal Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) for Fiscal Year 2012.
Local fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) providers have until July 6 to submit applications for federal funding for Training, equipment, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and wellness and safety projects. The purchase of Firefighting and EMS vehicles is also eligible for funding.
In addition, groups of fire departments can submit regional projects for training and personal protective equipment. In March, a $791,600 regional grant was awarded to the Smithtown, Kings Park, Melville, Halesite, and Centerport Fire Departments. The grant will be divided among the five departments and will be used to purchase upgraded breathing equipment commonly known as Scott Packs for responders to fire calls.
Congressman Bishop regularly hosts fire grant workshops with DHS personnel and local first responders in order to give Long Island fire departments the tools they need to write successful grant applications. Representatives from Kings Park Fire Department attended Congressman Bishop's 2010 workshop. Local first responders interested in attending a future workshop should contact Jane Finalborgo at 631-259-8450.
Fire or EMS Departments considering submitting an application for the AFG program should call the AFG Help Desk toll-free at 1-866-274-0960 or contact AFG staff members by e-mail at firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.
Online applicant resources are available on the AFG Website at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/.
