President Biden signs fire grants reauthorization bill into law
The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER and AFG grant programs through FY2028
Members of the fire and emergency services had the opportunity to go up to Capitol Hill during the CFSI 2024 event.
Congressional Fire Services Institute.
By Bill Carey
EMS1
WASHINGTON — President Biden signed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870) into law, ensuring that the nation’s fire and emergency services can continue to access vital federal support.
Following two years of advocacy by CFSI and our National Advisory Committee members, the AFG and SAFER grant programs will continue to help fire departments nationwide, the
Congressional Fire Services Institute
stated.
The bill will support fire and EMS first responders by reauthorizing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs through fiscal year 2028; reauthorizing the U.S. Fire Administration through fiscal year 2028, and extending the sunset date for AFG and SAFER to September 30, 2030.
The fire service’s persistence and collaboration with national organizations and many members of Congress were crucial in overcoming numerous hurdles to make the bill a law.
CFSI states it will keep advocating for strong funding for these programs and USFA. Recently, CFSI worked with representatives Bill Pascrell, Mike Bost and Brian Fitzpatrick, House Fire Caucus co-chairs, to secure an additional $7.5 million for AFG and SAFER in the House FY2025 DHS Appropriations Bill. The amendment was accepted, and the bill passed the House in June.
The Middle Township officer arrived on the scene first and immediately began administering CPR; the paramedic took over CPR upon arrival until the child’s pulse returned
First Response accused Decatur and Decatur Morgan Hospital of conspiring to create conditions where First Response would lose its certificate of public necessity and convenience
