Rupert receives $264,762, Poultney $136,333, Bethel $124,286
Vermont’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday, Oct. 30, that the Vermont Fire Academy and fire departments throughout the state have received more than $2 million through 16 federal grants.
The awards are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which helps fire departments, fire academies, and EMS agencies obtain critically needed equipment and training to better protect the public and first responders. This year’s AFG grants will help departments purchase equipment including air packs, vehicle extraction tools and a fire truck, and it will also fund paramedic training.
“Vermont’s first responders are some of the most dedicated public servants we have. They keep our communities safe, answering the call at all hours of the day and night, and they put their own safety on the line in doing so. We are pleased that these federal grants will help departments secure the updated equipment they need and deserve so that they can continue to provide these vital services,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) in a joint statement.
The federal grants were awarded to:
Putney Fire Department, $181,510
Burlington Fire Department, $162,273
City of Rutland Fire Department, 47,317
Williston Fire Department (in partnership with Essex Rescue and Colchester Rescue), $305,209
Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Vermont Fire Academy, $124,585
Peru Fire Department, $62,039
Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, $124,286
Stamford Volunteer Fire Department, $9,524
Springfield Fire Department, $95,595
Newbury Volunteer Fire Department, $106,286
Grafton Firefighters’ Association, $65,238
Essex Junction Fire Department, $141,071
Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, $118,065
Readsboro Fire Department, $85,714
Poultney Fire Department, $136,333
Rupert Volunteer Fire Department, $264,762
The next AFG application period is expected to open in December. In preparation, FEMA’s grant specialists will be hosting workshops in Vermont and online webinars this fall. Each workshop provides information on the AFG programs and tips to submit a successful application.
A local workshop is planned for Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 p.m. at the Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Vermont Fire Academy), 93 Davison Drive in Pittsford. For more information visit fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.
