The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced additional funding to be made from the FY 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, awarding 25 grants to fire departments throughout the United States. The awards total nearly $2.6 million, with the largest, $355,882, going to the Lewiston (Calif.) Fire Department. A complete list of FY 2005 AFG recipients is available at www.firegrantsupport.com.

The primary goal of the AFG program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, AFG awards have helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

DHS also announced two additional Fire Prevention and Safety program grants for FY 2005. A grant of $31,745 will go to the New London (Conn.) Fire Department and a grant of $16,278 will go to the Dupont (Pa.) Volunteer Hose Company #1. A complete list of FY 05 FP&S award recipients is available at www.firegrantsupport.com.

FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.

DHS additionally announced four more Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants for FY 05. The awards total a little more than a quarter of a million dollars, A grant of $100,000 will go to the Blackman Township (Mich.) Fire Department and a grant of $99,000 will go to the Vermont State Firefighters Association. A complete list of FY 2005 AFG recipients is available at www.firegrantsupport.com.

The purpose of the SAFER grants is to help fire departments increase the number of frontline firefighters. The goal is for fire departments to increase their staffing and deployment capabilities and ultimately attain 24-hour staffing, thus assuring that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.