The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the 22nd round of the FY 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, awarding 10 grants to fire departments throughout the United States.

This round of FIRE Grants provides $2,654,431 to help local fire departments and emergency medical services programs to purchase or receive training, first responder health and safety programs, equipment and response vehicles.

"These awards are critical to ensuring our nation's firefighters have the necessary resources to save lives and keep their communities safe," said Tracy A. Henke, executive director of the Office of Grants and Training.

The FIRE Grant program will issue approximately 5,500 awards worth nearly $600 million in direct assistance to firefighters and first responders throughout the country.

"The Federal government continues to support the critical work of our nation's firefighters by ensuring departments attain a basic capability level through the competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant program," said Charlie Dickinson, deputy administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Office of Grants and Training in cooperation with the USFA.

To view the latest round of award annoucements, visit www.firegrantsupport.com/awards