NH Delegation Announces More Than $644K in Federal Grant Funding to Support NH Firefighters
(Manchester, NH) – 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 $644,296.35 in federal funding to support Granite State firefighters around the state. Through the agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the following cities and towns received grants:
- Londonderry, NH - $210,909.09
- Allenstown, NH - $189,489.52
- Gorham, NH - $134,619.05
- Goffstown, NH – 109,278.69
The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments in order to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public. The grants can be used for training, equipment acquisition, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness activities, and modifications of fire/EMS stations.
“First responders put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities. Ensuring they have the equipment and support they need to stay safe as they do their jobs is a top priority for me,” said Senator Shaheen, who sent letters of support for the Gorham and Allenstown Fire Departments’ grant applications and helped secure these grants as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which is responsible for funding the AFG program. “These federal funds will allow Londonderry, Allenstown, Gorham and Goffstown to protect firefighters and better serve local residents. I will always be a strong advocate in the Senate for the resources Granite State emergency responders need to continue their critical work.”
“Fire fighters in New Hampshire have not missed a beat protecting their communities during this unprecedented pandemic, and we must provide them with the resources and tools that they need to continue this vital work,” Senator Hassan said. “These federal grants to fire departments across the state will help keep fire fighters safe, especially as state and local governments face massive budgetary challenges as a result of this public health crisis. I will keep working to secure additional resources for those on the front lines, as well as work to include robust funding for state and local governments in the next COVID-19 relief package to ensure that essential government workers, including fire fighters, can continue their important work.”
“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way on a regular basis to keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “This funding will help support these essential workers and ensure they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Investing in the safety and well-being of our communities is critically important, and I will continue working to do just that.”
“New Hampshire firefighters put themselves on the line to protect our communities, and they deserve the best equipment and training to carry out their duties,” said Congressman Pappas. “This federal assistance will provide critical support to several towns to support public safety and preparedness, and I will continue to work alongside the delegation to support our firefighters and their essential work.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to get our safety equipment up to date,” said Gorham Fire and EMS Chief Phil Cloutier.
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