Senator Collins Announces More Than $200,000 for Firefighter Safety

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that two Maine fire departments have been awarded federal grants through the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY’22) Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grant program. The Littleton Fire Department will receive a total of $98,800 and the Mapleton, Castle Hill, and Chapman Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue will receive a total of $121,428.57. These grants will be used to update the firefighter breathing devices for both departments.

“Firefighters across Maine and the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their towns and cities,” said Senator Collins. “This funding will allow Maine firefighters to acquire updated equipment, so they have the best tools available to protect themselves as they assist our families and communities.”

In April, the Senate voted to pass a bill, led by Senators Collins and Gary Peters (D-MI), which extended federal programs that support local fire departments across the country. The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). These programs are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. Senator Collins also delivered remarks on the Senate floor to express her support for the legislation.

Senator Collins successfully secured more than $200,345,598 for 105 Maine projects located across the state in the final Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill. 

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