“This grant will provide Tukwila’s firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs safely and more efficiently,” Smith said.  “Our nation’s fire departments are the first responders into almost every emergency situation and this grant program is one of the ways that we can help to ensure their continued safety as they face a variety of threats.  This was a very competitive grant process, involving a national peer review process with over 300 fire service leaders.  With their receipt of the award, the Tukwila department has successfully demonstrated their commitment to ‘safety first’ for their team.” 

Awarded jointly by FEMA and USFA, the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Program is designed to increase the effectiveness of fire fighting operations, fire fighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, EMS programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.  The Tukwila Fire Department received $177,030 to help address firefighter safety issues and improve the basic fire fighting services they provide to the community.