St. Amant Fire Department gets FEMA grant

ST. AMANT – The Volunteer Fire Department last week was awarded a $64,545 firefighters grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The grant is to be used for operations and safety activities at the department, according to a FEMA release.

Other fire departments in Louisiana receiving grants last week include Bush, $58,178; Heflin, $142,500; and Plain Dealing, $87,780.

The $353,003 awarded to local and volunteer fire departments in Louisiana is part of approximately $500 million directed to fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country in the 3008 fiscal year.

The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

“Since 2001, the fire departments of this nation have been using these much needed funds to better serve their communities,” said Dr. Denis Onieal, Acting Assistant Administrator of the U. S. Fire Administration. “Today’s firefighters face numerous challenges as they work to prevent and respond to fires in their communities. These AFG funds have a direct impact on the safety of both residents and firefighters throughout the nation.”

The Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is a component of the Administration’s larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The AFG is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards.

The grant program is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grant Programs Directorate and the United States Fire Administration. The full list of past and current recipients and other Assistance to Firefighter Grant program information is posted on the AFG Web site at firegrantsupport.com.