Larson Votes To Boost Resources For Fire Fighters
Press Release
Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, voted to provide our nation's firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires, and keep our communities safe. The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act invests in vital firefighter assistance programs that allow our local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.
"Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day -- they must have the best training and equipment at their disposal to keep our community safe," said Congressman Larson. "Our state and local governments may be facing falling revenues and shrinking budgets, but they should never have to choose between adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment. This bill protects against that and provides critical funding to safeguard our homes, our neighborhoods and--first and foremost--our families."
In Congressman Larson's own district these grants provided more than $1.7 million for fire trucks, safety equipment, training and fire station renovations this year.
This bipartisan legislation authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants nationwide for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.
Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been overstretched -- taking on even more responsibilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks, as well as preventing and fighting fires. This legislation will give our fire departments the critical resources they need to address these threats.
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.
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