Kildee Announces $46,000 in Grant Awards for the Vassar Fire Department

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $46,090 to the Vassar Fire Department.  FEMA, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, awarded these congressionally appropriated funds to the Vassar Fire Department under the Fiscal Year 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for fire operations and firefighter safety. 

“The firefighters of Vassar have committed themselves to the protection of the people, homes and families of Vassar, and so we are obligated to ensure that they have the tools they need to do their job safely and to protect themselves,” said Kildee.  “These funds will enable our first responders to pursue new training and wellness programs and provide them with access to new equipment.”

Congressman Kildee was an original cosponsor of the legislation authorizing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, a coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall security.  The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act of 2000 authorized FEMA to make grants available to fire departments throughout the nation.  Fire Departments nationwide will receive $490 million in Fiscal Year 2007 funds to support fire protection, EMS delivery, vehicle procurement and prevention programs.  FEMA typically receives more than 20,000 applications each year from fire departments requesting funds provided by this program.