Washington, D.C. -— Rep. Bob Etheridge today voted to provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires, sustain jobs and keep our communities safe.
The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act will invest in vital firefighter assistance programs and allow local fire departments to hire personnel, provide training, and purchase equipment and vehicles at a time when many Second Congressional District towns and cities are facing budget shortfalls and possible cuts to basic services.
“Protecting our communities is the first responsibility of government at all levels,” Etheridge said. “This legislation will provide critical funding to safeguard our homes and neighborhoods. When folks call 911, the phone doesn’t ring in Washington, it rings in our local communities. State and local governments should have all the resources they need to keep us safe.”
The bi-partisan legislation approves more than $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of employees. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access critical funds by lowering local matching requirements and amending time commitments.
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been stretched to their limits. These departments have inherited even more responsibility with the possibility of terrorist attacks, as well as preventing and fighting fires.
“Our local firefighters–whether they are career or volunteer–must have the best training and equipment at their disposal to keep our communities safe,” Etheridge said. “State and local governments may be facing falling revenues and shrinking budgets, but they should not have to choose between adequate emergency response equipment and a well-trained staff.”
The bill has the support of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.