NH Delegation Welcomes More Than $250,000 in Federal Funding to Support NH Firefighters

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed $254,857 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support Granite State firefighters in Errol, Dover, Hampstead, Newington and Somersworth through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments in order to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to help keep our communities safe and lend a hand to those in need. That’s why I’m thrilled to see this funding I helped secure as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee heading to New Hampshire to support Granite State firefighters,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll keep working to ensure our firefighters and first responders have the support and resources they need to continue their lifesaving work.”

“Granite State fire fighters bravely put themselves in danger day in and day out to make sure that our communities are safe,” said Senator Hassan. “That’s why we must make sure that they have the tools and resources that they need to do their jobs. I am glad to announce this federal funding for the Errol, Dover, Hampstead, Newington, and Somersworth fire departments, and I will continue working to make sure that our first responders have the support that they need.” 

“Granite State firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities, and we must ensure they are equipped with the resources they need to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible,” said Rep. Kuster. “These resources will support New Hampshire Fire Houses and help keep our brave firefighters safe. I have advocated on behalf of funding to support New Hampshire’s first responders and I will continue working to ensure those who keep us safe have the resources they need.”

“Our firefighters put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe,” said Rep. Pappas. “These funds will provide vital resources to departments across New Hampshire, and I’ll keep working to make sure our firefighters and first responders have the tools they need to protect our communities.”

The following departments and districts across the state received grants:

• Town of Errol will receive $41,486.66
• City of Dover will receive $56,354.39
• City of Somersworth will receive $47,047.61
• Town of Hampstead Fire Department will receive $37,587.61
• Town of Newington Fire Department will receive $72,380.95

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen has consistently fought to support New Hampshire firefighters. In funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2022 that was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this year, Shaheen secured $360 million for the AFG program, and helped include $360 million for the 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.  Shaheen also worked to include $370 million for the program in the FY 23 government funding proposal through her role on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

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