Legislation targets increased support for local fire departments

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) recently introduced the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which seeks to bolster nationwide federal support for local fire departments.

Specifically, the legislation reauthorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs local fire departments use to address staffing needs and purchase equipment.

“Firefighters throughout Ohio and across our nation risk their lives every day to protect and serve all of us,” Portman, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee ranking member, said. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that our nation’s fire and emergency medical services have access to much-needed federal grants and resources to better prepare for and respond to emergency medical services and fire hazards.”

Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) fire stations rely on for resources and information.

“Fire stations across the country rely on federal resources to keep firefighters safe. These heroes – who put their lives on the line every day – deserve our steadfast support,” Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said. “By reauthorizing these critical programs, this bipartisan legislation will ensure that fire departments in Michigan and throughout the nation have the information and tools they need to protect our communities and firefighters in the line of duty.”