07.21.03

Cantwell Announces $530,000 to Assist Washington State Fire Fighters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that Washington state firefighters will receive $532,895 as part of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Program. These funds will be used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fire fighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.

"I am pleased that we can provide some assistance to the brave men and women who risk their lives everyday to protect the public," said Cantwell. "These funds are a step in the right direction in providing assistance for firefighters to keep our communities safe."

Nearly 810 fire departments have received more than $48 million dollars to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters. For the Fiscal year 2003, the Department of Homeland Security distributed $750 million in firefighter grants program, a significant increase from the $360 million in grants announced last year.

Washington state fire department recipients include:

Whatcom County Fire District 4 $27,824 San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 $18,711 City of Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department $42,863 Clark County Fire District 3 $118,125 Klickitat County Rural 7 FPD $165,479 City Of Zillah Fire Department $89,333 Pend Oreille County Fire District #8 $13,860 Aberdeen Fire Department $56,700

This grant is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (EP&R) of the Department of Homeland Security.

For additional information regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program please visit the U.S. Fire Administration Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/grants.