NH Delegation Announces More Than $2.1 Million for Hudson & Bedford Fire Departments to Recruit & Train Firefighters

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2,170,180 in federal funding to the Hudson and Bedford Fire Departments to recruit and train new firefighters. Specifically, the funding was awarded through the agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) program, which provides grants directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. Hudson will receive $1,098,456 and Bedford will get $1,071,724 in SAFER grant funding, which will allow the departments to hire four new firefighters each.

“Granite State firefighters go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives and help those in need, regardless of the risks they face. This has especially been the case during this pandemic, with communities across New Hampshire relying more and more on the work these heroes perform daily as first responders,” said Senator Shaheen, helped secure these grants as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which is responsible for funding the SAFER program. “This federal funding will enable the Hudson and Bedford fire departments to add additional firefighters and increase their capacity to serve their communities. I will continue to fight for resources to support our fire departments as they perform vital services in our communities.”

“As local budgets continue to face additional strains as a result of this unprecedented economic crisis, fire fighters must have the resources that they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Senator Hassan said. “These federal grants will allow fire departments in Bedford and Hudson to hire additional fire fighters to keep their communities safe. I will keep fighting to secure additional resources that will strengthen public safety and contribute to our state’s economic recovery.”

“Firefighters across New Hampshire put their lives at risk and go above and beyond to keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “During the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, firefighters and first responders face greater risks on the job, but they are needed more than ever. At the same time, many cities and towns in the state are dealing with stressed local budgets. This federal funding will enable both the Hudson and Bedford Fire Departments to bring on and train additional firefighters to keep Granite Staters safe. I’ll continue working to secure funding and resources for New Hampshire firefighters and first responders who are on the frontlines of this pandemic.”

“On a daily basis New Hampshire firefighters put themselves in harm's way to answer the call and keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Pappas. “Over the past six months, firefighters and first responders have gone above and beyond to serve fellow Granite Staters during this pandemic. This federal funding will allow the Bedford Fire Department to hire additional firefighters and increase their ability to provide lifesaving services. I am proud to stand with our firefighters and first responders and will continue to advocate for resources to support their lifesaving work.”

Today’s awards brings the total amount of federal funding to support Granite State firefighters this year to $6,093,870.

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