Feb. 23: Kaptur Announces Federal Award to South Amherst Fire Department

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur today announced a $261,250 federal award to the South Amherst Fire Department in Lorain County for vehicle acquisition.

Funding was made available through the Department of Homeland Security through the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

"Congratulations to South Amherst for winning the grant competition," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "This federal assistance will help the department continue protecting lives and property."

The South Amherst fire department and emergency medical service personnel respond to approximately 25 calls a month. The department consists of 29 volunteers.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security. It funds fire departments and emergency medical service operations throughout the country to enhance response capabilities and support first responder activities.

During the protracted budget battle in the House of Representatives last week, Congresswoman Kaptur joined a bipartisan effort to restore funding to the AFG grant program and to support local firefighters and emergency personnel.

Congresswoman Kaptur voted in favor of an amendment by Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) to restore $510 million for fire grants. The House vote was 388-113 (186-6 among Democrats and 132-107 among Republicans). Only two members of the 18-member Ohio delegation voted against the Pascrell amendment.

The program has provided approximately $4.6 billion in grants to first-responder organizations since 2001.