Smith Comments on Fire Grant legislation |
Congressman Smith's comments on the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act, legislation which reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, are available by clicking here . The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants provide much-needed assistance to fire departments across the nation. The AFG program competitively awards funds to local fire departments to purchase emergency response equipment and training. The SAFER program funds the hiring, recruitment, and retention of firefighting personnel. Included in the legislation is an amendment Smith successfully offered ensuring rural areas will continue to have adequate access to the grant programs. Earlier this year, Ed Carlin, Training Officer for the Spalding Rural Volunteer Fire Department, offered testimony before the House Technology and Innovation Subcommittee at Smith's request regarding the reauthorization of the AFG program and the challenges facing rural fire departments. |