FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration announce the release of 487 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program awards. The current round represents an investment in the nation’s fire services of $26.9 million.

"The USFA is proud to announce these grant recipients at this important time for the firefighters of the nation. Over the past week, the fire departments of the United States have come together to accomplish a number of other important activities. On October 6, thousands of firefighters mustered in Washington D.C., to join with the family members of those firefighters who lost their lives just doing their jobs, at the 2002 National Fallen Firefighter Memorial services," said R. David Paulison, U.S. fire administrator.

These 487 fire departments can expect to electronically receive their official grant award packets for beginning their grant activities on either the 1st or 15th of the month. It's anticipated that 5,500 fire departments will receive awards before the end of the current calendar year, representing a $360 million investment in the nation’s fire departments.

A current list of recipients is posted on the USFA Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/grants. Future grant recipients will be listed as awards are made.