Capps Announces $88,000 Grant for San Luis Obispo County Fire Department For Search and Rescue Training Opportunities

Press Release

Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) announced that the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department has been awarded an $88,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This grant will be used to provide training opportunities for the twenty member joint CAL FIRE and San Luis Obispo County Urban Search and Rescue team.

This is great news for San Luis Obispo County and the professional fire fighters who put their lives on the line to keep our community safe every day. I'm pleased this federal funding will be put to such an important use -- ensuring our fire fighters have the training they need to respond to emergencies in our communities," said Capps.

Fire Chief Robert Lewin stated, "During these difficult fiscal times it is important that federal, state and local agencies work together to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response to our communities. This grant will do just that. We are thankful to Congresswoman Capps for her support of this interagency US&R Team."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is an important part of the federal government's coordinated effort to improve the nation's level of preparedness and ability to respond to fires and other emergencies. This program has been providing funding to first responders since 2001. These grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of equipment, firefighter health and safety programs, enhancing emergency medical services programs, and conducting fire education and prevention programs.

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