By 1812Blockhouse
The Mansfield Fire Department has just landed a crucial $68,200 grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, marking their first major funding win since 2017. This grant will significantly enhance the department’s Fire Officer Development training, equipping Lieutenants, Captains, and Chief Officers with the advanced skills needed to serve the Mansfield community with even greater expertise.
Elevating Officer Training with Federal Support
This grant is a significant milestone for the Mansfield Fire Department, providing the resources needed to elevate the skills and readiness of its leadership team. The department’s commitment to enhancing officer training is a testament to its dedication to maintaining high standards in emergency response. With this funding, Mansfield’s fire personnel will benefit from improved leadership, ensuring the community is protected by a team led by highly trained and prepared officers.
Captain Shawn Yerian was instrumental in securing this grant, reflecting the department’s proactive approach to pursuing vital funding opportunities. His efforts, combined with the support of the entire department, have made this advancement in training possible. The department extends its gratitude to Capt. Yerian and everyone who has supported this initiative.
Understanding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, managed by FEMA, is designed to bolster the safety of both the public and firefighting personnel. Since its inception, the program has provided essential financial support to fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations nationwide. The primary goal of the AFG program is to equip these organizations with the resources necessary to improve emergency response and firefighting operations.
Key Aspects of the AFG Program:
- Purpose: The AFG program focuses on meeting the critical needs of fire departments and emergency responders by providing funding for equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources vital to public and personnel safety.
- Eligibility: Fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, state fire training academies, and certain non-federal airport and port authority fire or EMS organizations are eligible to apply. These entities must have a recognized arrangement with their local jurisdiction to provide fire suppression or emergency medical services.
- Funding Uses: The grant funds can be used for various operational and safety activities, including training programs, purchasing equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), wellness and fitness programs, facility modifications, vehicle acquisition, and joint/regional interoperability projects.
- Cost Share Requirement: The AFG program includes a cost-sharing requirement that varies depending on the population served. Applicants serving a population of 20,000 or fewer must provide a 5% match, those serving between 20,000 and 1 million need a 10% match, and those serving larger populations must provide a 15% match.
- Funding Details: For the fiscal year 2023, the AFG program made $324 million available, with approximately 2,000 awards expected. The award ceiling varies based on community size, with smaller communities eligible for up to $1 million and larger departments up to $3.2 million.
