The first award, for $37,211, was announced in round 22 of the Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The one-year grants help fire departments improve firefighting operations, strengthen firefighter health and safety programs, and establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the country. These funds are part of the $650 million Congress approved for 2005 to support fire departments nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

DHS announced the second award for $10,511 in round 1 of its Fire Prevention and Safety grants which help high-risk target groups mitigate the incidences of death and injuries. DHS is required to allocate at least 5% of the $650 million allocated to the Assistance to Firefighters Program for Fire Prevention and Safety grants.