SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES $340,596 FOR EIGHT MAINE FIRE DEPARTMENTS

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $340,596 in grant funding for eight Maine fire departments. The funding is provided through the "Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program," or FIRE Act.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is an extremely critical source of funds for our fire and rescue personnel," noted Senator Collins. "This grant will help provide Maine's critical first responders with the equipment and skills to better serve their communities."

The funding will be distributed the following Maine fire departments through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments' facilities.

• Richmond Fire Department will receive $64,830
• Island Falls Fire Department will receive $13,775
• Carrabassett Valley Fire Department will receive $110,200
• Town of Greenbush will receive $15,143
• Gouldsboro Fire Department will receive $59,850
• South Bristol Fire Department will receive $39,520
• Canton Volunteer Fire Department will receive $17,328
• Arrowsic Fire Department will receive $19,950

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.