WASHINGTON, D.C. – With funding at risk for their pending applications, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is fighting for more than 500 Ohio fire departments to ensure they have the resources and equipment to keep firefighters and communities safe.
During a news conference call today, Brown called for the full funding of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – set to expire at the end of the month – which provides grants to local fire departments to purchase new equipment, protective gear, and emergency vehicles. If Congress does not pass an extension of funding for DHS by Feb. 27, these critical resources would be delayed under a DHS shutdown.
“The last thing Ohioans want is another shutdown that puts our safety at risk,” Brown said. “That’s why I’m fighting for Congress to pass a clean funding bill for critical safety gear and equipment to protect Ohio firefighters. We must avoid a costly and dangerous shut down and ensure that our first responders’ have the equipment and resources they need to keep Ohio communities safe.”
More than 500 fire departments have active applications for funding through three federal programs – the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) Program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, and the Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grant Program – which could be delayed or disrupted unless Congress acts. While funding decisions are scheduled to begin next month, a DHS shutdown would delay the grants until the agency is funded. During the call, Brown provided county-by-county information on the fire departments throughout Ohio that have applied for a total of more than $100 million in AFG funds during this application round.
Brown was joined by Mike Taylor, assistant chief of the Steubenville Fire Department. The Steubenville Fire Department currently has an AFG application pending and previously received a SAFER grant to support the salaries of nine firefighters.
The AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant programs provide critical assistance to local fire departments that often depend on federal funding for equipment, staffing, and safety upgrades that local governments cannot afford. The AFG program provides funds for firefighter training, facility upgrades, and new equipment while the SAFER program allows local municipalities to hire career firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The FP&S program supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards.
