Beginning Tuesday, May 30, at 8 a.m. EDT, the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness in the Department of Homeland Security will begin accepting applications for SAFER grants. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER grant applications will be 5 p.m. EDT on June 30, 2006.

DHS has posted program guidance and other materials for the 2006 SAFER grant program for applicants interested in details regarding eligibility and priorities of the activities that will be funded under the program, including the Hiring of Firefighters Activity.

Eligible applicants for SAFER grants include fire departments (for the hiring of firefighters) and state or local organizations as well as volunteer and combination fire departments (for volunteer recruitment and retention grants).

Upon the opening of the application period, applications will be available at the Assistance to Firefighter Grants program Web site. Fire departments can also contact the Fire Grants Help Desk at 866-274-0960 or e-mail firegrants@dhs.gov.