McCarthy: Window Opens for Local Fire Departments to Apply for Grants

, D-Mineola, announced the opening of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program application period for local fire departments.

The FY 2011 application period opened Aug. 15. All applications must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.

“During tough times like these when local funding is at record lows, these grants can help Long Island fire departments get the equipment and staffing they need to keep our communities safe,” McCarthy said.  “I encourage every fire department in my district to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Last year, the villages of East Rockaway and Floral Park received more than $200,000 total for their fire departments to improve operations and safety. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA have several grant programs that provide federal funding to local communities for firefighting and other emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. One of these programs is the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

Since 2001, the AFG Program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

The AFG Program provides grants on a competitive basis to rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.    For more information, local fire departments may contact Jessica Montgomery in Rep. McCarthy’s district office at 516-739-3008 or jessica.montgomery@mail.house.gov.