Friday, February 22, 2002 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-18) and William J. Coyne (PA-14) hosted the "F.I.R.E Act Grant Program" Workshop for firefighters throughout Allegheny County.

"The F.I.R.E. Act Grant Program is a vital program that recognizes the important role that our emergency services play in our communities," stated Congressman Doyle. "This program provides the type of federal assistance needed by our fire companies to continue to serve our communities in an effective manner."

The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (F.I.R.E) Act Grant Program was established in the 106th Congress via the enactment of H.R. 1158, the F.I.R.E. Act. This is the second year the F.I.R.E Act Grant Program has been in effect.

In 2001, this grant program was funded at a level of $100 million and awarded a total of 1,886 grants to fire departments and fire service organizations throughout the country. In 2001, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received applications from fire departments across the country requesting a total of $3 billion. Due to the overwhelming need demonstrated by the fire companies throughout the nation, the F.I.R.E. Act Grant Program is now funded at a level of $360 million for Fiscal Year 2003.

"With so much competition nation-wide for a limited amount of grant money, it is important that grant requests for local firefighters be prepared so as to have the best possible chance to be selected," Congressman Coyne said. "That is why we have put together this event."

This year's program will feature an online process, which will provide extensive help screens and information. While paper applications will continue to be accepted, use of the Internet application is highly recommended because of the guidance that is built into that electronic processing system. Also, applicants who utilize their "e-application" process will receive an automatic electronic confirmation that their application has been received once it is submitted.

FEMA's United States Fire Administration (USFA) coordinates and administers the F.I.R.E Act Grant Program, which is modeled after the very successful Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program. Tom Davies, Federal Coordinating Officer with FEMA, was on hand to provide the firefighters with an overview of the F.I.R.E Act Grant Program, the application process, and any changes that were made in the program since last year.

One such change is that fire departments will be limited to submitting only one application this year. This new programmatic approach will allow applicants to request funding to address various complementary and combinations of activities in one of the following four distinct functional program areas:

1. Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety (eligible activities include: training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, and personal protective equipment.) 2. Fire Prevention (eligible activities include: public education, public awareness, code enforcement and arson prevention.) 3. Emergency Medical Services (eligible activities include: training and/or equipment.) 4. Firefighting Vehicles

The application period runs from March 1 through April 1, 2002. Evaluation panels will review applications in April and May and grants awards will begin in May and continue until all funds are awarded.

Approximately 100 firefighters from Allegheny County attended the F.I.R.E Act Grant Program Workshop that Reps. Doyle and Coyne hosted. The firefighters received information about the F.I.R.E Act Grant Program and application process from Robert Full, Chief of Allegheny County Emergency Services and Allegheny County Fire Marshal; and Tom Davies, Federal Coordinating Officer of Region III for FEMA.

"September 11th demonstrated the commitment and dedication our nation's firefighters have to protecting our lives, our homes and our neighborhoods. This program is essential in ensuring that the men and women who put their lives on the line for us have the best equipment and training available to them," stated Rep. Doyle.

To obtain information about the F.I.R.E Act Grant Program contact Rep. Doyle's office at (412) 664-4049 or visit the website at www.usfa.fema.gov.

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