BREAKING: Senator Hassan, NH Fire Fighters Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill that Funds Critical Grants for NH Fire Departments

WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan, a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined New Hampshire fire fighters in applauding Senate passage of a bipartisan bill to extend federal grant programs for local fire departments. The bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act would reauthorize two critical grant programs – the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program – that are set to expire next year. Senator Hassan helped advance this bill through the Senate Homeland Security Committee earlier this month.

“Without these grant programs, fire departments across New Hampshire may not be able to afford critical, lifesaving equipment or training that they need in order to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Hassan. “I was glad to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this important legislation to support fire fighters, and I urge my colleagues in the House to join us so that we can get this bill to the President’s desk without delay.”

“On behalf of the New Hampshire Fire Service, I would like to extend our thanks to Senator Hassan for her continued support for public safety.  Working to fund these critical programs enhances the capabilities of many fire departments across our state.  In a time of increased budget constraints at the local level these programs provide equipment, training and staffing that may otherwise be unavailable,” said Sean P. Toomey, P.E., NH State Fire Marshal.

“The Manchester Fire Department were only able to replace the 200 plus Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) because of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Without this vital federal funding we would not be able to adequately protect the citizens of Manchester,” said Manchester Fire Department Chief Ryan Cashin.

“I am glad that Senator Hassan helped advance a bipartisan bill to extend federal grant programs for local fire departments.  Supporting these programs proves that staffing, safety, and the wellbeing of firefighters is a priority to Senator Hassan and to those of us who receive these grants, to buy the critical equipment needed to do our jobs and protect the public. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants funding meant we could purchase vitally important breathing apparatus sooner, making it safer for our firefighters and the community we serve here in Portsmouth,” said Bill McQuillen, Fire Chief for Portsmouth Fire Department.

“The AFG and SAFER grant programs have been a critical resource for my fire department over the years, allowing us to apply for, and receive federal funding to adequately staff and train our firefighters, replace outdated gear with modern, safer equivalents and is allowing the Berlin Fire Dept. to replace a fire engine that has been in service since the late 1970’s. The Fire Grants and Safety Act would ensure that we have access to funding that will ensure our department can safely and effectively respond to a variety of emergency situations in New Hampshire’s Northernmost city, and I thank Sen. Hassan for her steadfast commitment to ensuring these federal programs are responsive to the needs of our local communities,” said James Watkins, Fire Chief for Berlin Fire Department.  

Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and retain personnel, as well as buy fire trucks and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also utilize the programs to fund safety and technical rescue training, as well as for health screenings for fire fighters.

Since 2015, New Hampshire fire departments, state fire training academies, and emergency medical service organizations have received more than $24 million in funding from AFG grants and more than $15 million in funding from SAFER grants. For instance, Senator Hassan helped secure a grant to the Berlin Fire Department in 2022 to replace its fire engine that had been in service since 1979. Senator Hassan also successfully worked to increase funding for the AFG and SAFER programs in the American Rescue Plan that was passed into law. 

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