FEMA Delivers Additional Nearly $55 Million to Help Fire Departments and Other First Responder Organizations

This week, FEMA awarded nearly $55 million in grant funding to fire departments, first responder organizations, and other institutions focused on firefighter safety and fire prevention in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

These awards will enable agencies to get the equipment, staff, and support they need to carry out their critical, life-saving missions. This week’s fire grant funding brings the total amount awarded to FEMA Region 4 this year to $127.5 million. Nationwide, FEMA awarded $648 million through its three fire grant programs.

“Firefighters and other first responders are everyday heroes, helping their neighbors and communities when they need it most,” said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. “Through this grant funding, FEMA is building the capability of these local organizations to respond to disasters and emergencies. By empowering fire departments to get the staff, training and equipment they need, FEMA is strengthening the resilience of American communities nationwide.”

FEMA is administering these funds through its three fire grant programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program, and the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program.

In South Carolina, the grants went to Horry County, nearly $1.6 million to hire firefighters, and the Whitesville Rural Fire Department in Moncks Corner, more than $1.1 million to hire firefighters.