Fire departments should seek grants

RBC I U.S. Sen. Mark Udall encouraged Colorado fire departments Tuesday to apply for competitive grants to help them meet firefighting and emergency response needs to better protect their communities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program gives Colorado fire departments the chance to compete for a portion of $32 million to more effectively protect communities from the threat of fire. This program funds projects that reach high-risk populations and decrease rates of injuries and death caused by fires.
“These grants, which I’m proud Colorado fire departments have secured in recent years, help local fire departments fill in gaps in their budgets and ensure they’re able to protect the most vulnerable. Fire departments across Colorado should apply for this support so they have all the resources necessary to respond to emergencies in their communities,” Udall said.
Fire Prevention & Safety Grants Awards have gone to the following fire departments over the past two years: $26,007 to the Pueblo Fire Department in 2013; $18,045 to Canon City Area Fire Protection District in 2012; and, $32,240 to Loveland Fire Rescue in 2012.
Colorado’s fire departments should visit www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program for more information. The application period runs from Tuesday until 3 p.m. Mountain Time on March 21.
To request a letter of support on behalf of an application, fire departments should contact Udall’s regional office nearest to them. For more information, contact Mike Saccone at 202-224-4334.