BURLINGTON, Vt., October 30 – Vermont’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday 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.).
 
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 is approximately 2 ½ hours long and provides information on the AFG programs, what is new for 2019, and tips to develop and submit a successful application.
 
The following workshops are planned:
 
Tuesday, November 5th, 6:00 p.m.
Williston Fire Department
645 Talcott Road, Williston 
 
Wednesday, November 6th, 6:00 p.m.
Vermont Division of Fire Safety Central Office
1311 U.S. Route 302 – Suite 600, Barre 
 
Thursday, November 7th, 6:00 p.m.
Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Vermont Fire Academy)
93 Davison Drive, Pittsford 
 
Monday, December 2nd, 6:00 p.m.
Pownal Rescue Squad
22 Ladd Brook Road, Pownal 
 
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2:00 p.m.
Online Webinar 
Audio: 800-320-4330; PIN: 174852#
URL: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/r1_2019_afg/
 
Wednesday, December 4th, 7:00 p.m.
Online Webinar 
Audio: 800-320-4330; PIN: 174852#
URL: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/r1_2019_afg/
 
Thursday, December 5th, 10:00 a.m.
Online Webinar
Audio: 800-320-4330; PIN: 174852#
URL: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/r1_2019_afg/
 
For more information about AFG and to sign up for email updates, please visit https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.