(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH), along with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH), announced that $722,150.45 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program funding is headed to fire departments in Errol, New Hampton, Surry and Warren. The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments to enhance the safety and training of firefighters and purchase needed equipment. 

The Errol Fire Department will receive $585,129.52 for a tanker vehicle, the New Hampton Fire Department will receive $42,914.28 for firefighter turnout gear, the Town of Surry will receive $49,963.80 for vehicle extrication equipment and the Warren Fire Department will receive $44,142.85 for firefighter breathing apparatus.

“It’s hard to overstate how critical our Granite State firefighters are in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities – we have a responsibility to equip them with the tools and support they need to do their jobs safely,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m pleased to see these resources heading to first responders across the Second District to expand their vehicle fleets, purchase protective gear, and more.”

“Assistance to Firefighters Grants are crucial for the readiness of New Hampshire’s fire departments and I’m glad to see over $700,000 go to firefighters in Errol, New Hampton, Surry and Warren,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our communities, which is why ensuring that they have the right tools to do their jobs safely and efficiently will continue to be a top priority for me as I work to pass next year’s government funding legislation.”

“Fire fighters put their lives on the line in order to protect our families and our communities, and it is critical that they have the best, cutting-edge equipment so that they can do their jobs effectively,” Senator Hassan said. “These new grants will help New Hampshire fire fighters stay safe and save lives, and I am going to keep working across party lines to make sure that all of our fire fighters have everything that they need to succeed.”

“Fire fighters put themselves in harm’s way every day while serving our communities, and ensuring they have the resources they need to do their jobs is critical,” said Congressman Pappas. “These grants will help New Hampshire fire departments secure the equipment and gear they need to keep Granite State communities safe, and I’ll keep working to improve public safety and support our fire fighters and first responders.”

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the entire department and the community at large of our gratitude towards the award of FEMA funds for the acquisition of a new tanker truck for the Errol Fire Department,” said Bradley Eldridge, Chief of the Errol Fire Department in a letter to Senator Shaheen. “With the Great North Wood’s rising popularity in tourism in the Granite state, this tanker acquisition is paramount to both our rescue time and effectiveness. The community should feel a sense of safety and reliability when they think of their emergency services and this new acquisition will provide just that to both our residents and those visiting the area.” 

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