So. GA fire departments share in federal grant - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Press Release from U.S. Department of Homeland Security

ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $268,389 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program to local fire departments and emergency responders in the state of Georgia.

"Providing better equipment, training and staffing for fire departments across the country has one main goal—saving lives," said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May. "But everyone can do their part. Something as simple as changing the batteries in smoke alarms can save lives."

This week's round of the national Assistance to Firefighters Grants include grants provided to the following first responders in Georgia from the:

FY 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program--

   The Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is an important component of the administration's larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation's overall level of preparedness. The AFG is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards.

The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

These grant programs are administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grant Programs Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.