Representative Passes Bipartisan Legislation To Bolster Key Fire Fighter Assistance Programs

Press Release

Yesterday, Congressman Joe Courtney voted to strengthen two key programs aimed at ensuring that fire departments in eastern Connecticut have the tools and staff they need to protect our communities. The bill, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 3791), reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs through 2014. The bill passed the House with significant bipartisan support, by a vote of 395-31.

Rep. Courtney is an original cosponsor of this legislation and has been a strong advocate for both the AFG and SAFER programs.

"I have heard first hand from fire chiefs from across our region the unmatched positive impact that the SAFER and AFG programs have had on their ability to protect their communities and their fire fighters," stated Rep. Courtney. "This bill responds to the challenges that many departments face in this time of economic challenge, and reflects the combined work of our nation's key fire service organizations. I will continue to advocate for these programs and ensure eastern Connecticut's first responders are prepared and equipped with modern firefighting and rescue equipment, so they may continue to safely serve our communities."

The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to reauthorize it through FY2014 and increases authorization levels for fire prevention and firefighter safety programs including AFG and SAFER to $1 billion and $1.194 billion. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum AFG grant amounts, lowers matching and maintenance of expenditure requirements and authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) to waive or reduce such requirements for applicants facing demonstrated economic hardship.

The bill is supported by a number of the nation's key fire service organizations, including the International Association of Firefighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the National Fire Protection Association.

Click here to read a summary of H.R. 3791.

Eastern Connecticut has been the recipient of a significant amount of funding through AFG and SAFER programs. Since the inception of both programs the Second Congressional District of Connecticut has received $21,264,457 though the AFG program, and $765,985 through the SAFER program.

The AFG program provides funds for local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase equipment, training, fire trucks and additional resources related to enhancing responses to fire and fire-related hazards.

The SAFER program provides grants directly to volunteer, combination, and career fire departments to assist the departments increase their number of firefighters. The goal of the program is to enhance the ability of recipients to attain 24-hour staffing, and insure that communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

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