U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the New Hampshire Fire Training Academy $341,086 in federal funding through the agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments in order to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public. The funding will be used to purchase new firefighter training equipment and breathing apparatus cylinders.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our community, which is why it’s so important that they have the training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. The New Hampshire Fire Training Academy teaches and empowers our firefighters with the skills and tools they need to meet both of those goals, so I’m very pleased to see this federal investment in support of their programming,” said Senator Shaheen, who helped to secure this funding as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which is responsible for funding AFG. “Ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to keep Granite Staters safe – and also protecting their well-being in the line of duty – continue to be top priorities for me.”

“This federal grant will help the New Hampshire Fire Training Academy buy critical equipment to ensure that the brave men and women putting out fires can do so effectively, while keeping themselves and our communities safe,” said Senator Hassan.

 “Firefighters put themselves at risk every day to help keep our communities safe, which is why it’s essential that we work to ensure they have the tools and support they need to do their jobs,” said Congresswoman Kuster, who has worked with the House Appropriations Committee to secure robust funding for the AFG grant program throughout her time in Congress. “This funding will bring new and improved equipment to Granite State firefighters, helping protect their safety and the safety of the public. I will continue my efforts to support our emergency responders.”

“Firefighters go into harm’s way each and every day in the Granite State,” said Congressman Pappas. “When they do, it is critical they have the equipment necessary to protect themselves.  That is why I’m glad to see that New Hampshire firefighters will benefit from these federal funds to purchase additional training and safety equipment so they can be protected while protecting us.”

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