SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES $33,630 FOR STRONG FIRE DEPARTMENT

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $33,630 in grant funding for the Strong Fire Department. The funding is provided through the "Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program," or FIRE Act.

The department will receive funding through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments' facilities.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a critical source of funding for Maine's fire and rescue personnel," noted Senator Collins. "This grant will help provide the Franklin County's first responders with the equipment and training that they need to better serve their communities."

Senator Collins strongly supported the creation of the FIRE Act Grant program. These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment.