The purpose of the grant program is to provide first responders with additional training and equipment, which will enhance their abilities to protect the health and safety of the public and protect firefighters from job-related hazards. The DHS’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness administers the grant program in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

"Our first responders deserve the best safety equipment available as they continue to risk their lives to protect our communities," said Lincoln.  "That is why I am proud to help announce this important federal funding to help address the needs of the Newcastle Volunteer Rural Fire Department."

“Uncontained fires can cause devastating damage to homes and families,” said Pryor. “This grant will ensure that the brave Newcastle volunteer firefighters are trained and equipped to effectively respond to such emergencies.”

"Day after day firefighters put their lives on the line to defend our safety and their selfless loyalty to our communities is honorable," Berry said. "This federal assistance will help them to acquire the training and equipment necessary to keep them and their communities safe."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program has been providing funding to fire departments and other first responders since 2001. To date, a total of $2.4 billion in grants through the AFG program has been awarded to first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.