November 20: Supporting Our Local Firefighters and Fire Departments

At a time when many communities are facing cuts to basic services due to budget pressure, the Act allows local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.

“This bill has provided critical funding to fire departments from Sylvania to Oberlin and numerous other communities in the Ninth Congressional District,” Congresswoman Kaptur said. “It is vital to safeguarding our families and property.”

The bipartisan legislation authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

“Our local firefighters, both career and volunteer, literally put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “They deserve the best training and equipment that we can afford.”

The bill was supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.