(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1,512,358.47 in federal funding to support Granite State firefighters.  

The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments in order to enhance safety for firefighters and the public. The grants can be used for training, equipment acquisition, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness activities and modifications of fire/EMS stations.   

“Emergency responders like firefighters have worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they deserve every resource possible to do their jobs safely and efficiently. That’s why I’m so pleased to announce over $1.5 million is heading to New Hampshire to support firefighters and their work,” said Senator Shaheen, who helped secure these grants as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which is responsible for funding the AFG program. “This funding will help ten fire departments across the state modernize their equipment and strengthen safety practices. I’ll continue fighting for our emergency first responders in the Senate as they put their lives on the line to serve our communities.” 

“New Hampshire’s fire fighters continue to bravely put themselves in harm’s way to keep their communities safe, even amid the increased challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Hassan. “We must provide them with the resources that they need in order to do their jobs safely. I am glad to announce these federal funds to help fire stations in New Hampshire develop training programs and strengthen their safety protocols, and I will keep working to secure crucial funds for our emergency responders.”

“Our Granite State firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe, and it is essential we equip them with the supplies and resources they need,” said Rep. Kuster. “The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) announced today will support our Fire Houses and supply medical and protective equipment to help protect our brave firefighters. I’m proud to advocate on behalf of New Hampshire’s first responders in Congress, and to support them throughout our state.”

“Firefighters across New Hampshire put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe - whether they’re responding to emergencies, serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, or helping our communities combat the opioid epidemic,” said Rep. Pappas. “I’m pleased that these grants have been awarded because they will ensure our first responders have the training, equipment, and funding they need to do their jobs safely. I remain committed to working in a bipartisan manner to support our firefighters and first responders.”

Through the agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the following departments and districts across the state received grants: 

• Antrim Fire Department – $351,659.05 for Radios 
• This is a regional AFG grant award also benefiting Bennington, Peterborough and Temple  
• Center Ossippee Fire District – $191,443.81 for Portable and Mobile Radios 
• Franklin Fire Department –$243,446.19 for Firefighter Training  
• This is a Regional Award that also benefits 20 central New Hampshire / Lakes Region Fire Departments            
• Gorham Fire Department – $83,396.19 for Ambulance Power Stretcher and Power Lift Systems 
• Holderness Fire Department – $34,761.90 for a Cardiac Monitor / Defibrillator 
• Keene Fire Department –$373,954.18 for a Paramedic Training Program 
• Landaff Fire Department – $57,714.29 for Firefighter Turnout Gear and Firefighter Breathing Apparatus 
• Newport Fire Department – $112,459.05 for an Ambulance Power Stretcher and Power Lift System 
• Newington Fire Department – $14,285.71 for Firefighter Wellness & Fitness Equipment 
• Sunapee Fire Department – $49,238.10 for a Cardiac Compression Device, a Turnout Gear Washer and Wildland Firefighting Gear

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen has consistently fought to support New Hampshire firefighters. In funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2021 that was passed by Congress and signed into law in December, Shaheen bolstered funding for the program, securing $360 million for the AFG program. Shaheen frequently advocates for New Hampshire fire departments to receive awards through the AFG program. The Senator also helped include $360 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) program, which provides grants directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities.    

Senator Hassan is working to support fire fighters and emergency responders. Earlier this year, Senator Hassan led efforts to include $300 million in the American Rescue Plan for FEMA grant programs that provide resources to firefighters across the country to help with hiring, retention, and critical supplies. In addition, Senator Hassan introduced legislation to guarantee collective bargaining rights for firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Earlier this summer, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that Senator Maggie Hassan and her colleagues introduced to help protect firefighters from hazardous PFAS chemicals.    

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