Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Federal Support for Local Fire Departments

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to extend federal programs that help support local fire departments across the country. The programs are set to expire in the coming years. The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs are set to expire in the coming years and are used by local fire departments use to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. In 2021, Michigan fire departments received more than $10.8 million from the AFG program and more than $8 million from the SAFER grant program. Peters introduced similar legislation that advanced in the Senate last Congress.

“Brave and courageous firefighters depend on critical federal programs to safeguard Michiganders and people across the nation from fires and other emergencies,” said Senator Peters. “By extending these important programs, this bipartisan legislation will help the federal government ensure dedicated first responders have the resources they need to safely fight fires and effectively protect communities.”

Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and retain additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also utilize the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFA until 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA – a nearly $20 million increase from current levels, and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.

Below are statements in support of Peters’ bipartisan legislation:

“Fire chiefs in Michigan use federal grants to replace aging equipment, train personnel, and ensure that our firefighters are safe as they put their lives on the line to protect communities,” said Fire Chief Johnny Menifee, President of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs. “It is essential that we continue to have access to these essential programs to strengthen our ability to respond to fires. Thank you to Senator Peters for leading this legislation, and for his continued support of fire stations in Michigan.”

“These critical federal programs help ensure that Michigan’s firefighters have what they need to save lives, and put out fires that threaten our homes, businesses, and schools,” said Fred Timpner, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters. “By leading this legislation to reauthorize important grant programs that provide millions to our fire stations each year, Senator Peters continues to show his unwavering support for firefighters safe communities in Michigan and across the nation.”

“Firefighters in Michigan rely on these critical programs to increase staffing levels for the safety of our members and the citizens we protect.  In addition these programs also provide everything from health screenings to having the equipment we need to safeguard communities across the state,” said Matthew Sahr, President of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union. “I am deeply grateful to Senator Peters for leading this legislation to ensure fire stations have increased federal support to ensure firefighters are protected in the line of duty.”

“With increasing apparatus costs, supply costs, personnel costs, the Fire Grants and Safety Act is imperative for operations of many Fire Departments,” said Brandon Hinz, Executive Director of the South Haven Area Emergency Services. “Senator Peters' listens to our concerns and supports our public services agencies. Without Senator Peters' support, and the Fire Grants and Safety Act, a great number of public service agencies would simply break down and fail.”

“The Grand Rapids Fire Department is very thankful for Senator Peters’ work on behalf of the fire service. We have personally benefited by both the SAFER and AFG grant funding enabling us to create a more robust response model and equip our personnel with the most advanced tools,” said John Lehman, Grand Rapids Fire Chief. “The national fire service relies on continued funding of these programs to maintain service levels.”

“I am grateful to Senator Peters for continuing to lead efforts to protect firefighters in Dearborn and across the country,” said Joseph Murray, Dearborn Fire Chief. “His bipartisan bill to reauthorize critical federal programs that our departments rely on to purchase equipment and vehicles and to hire and train essential personnel demonstrates his commitment to supporting Michigan’s fire stations.”

“I would like to thank Senator Peters and Senator Collins for introducing this important legislation. The AFG and SAFER grants provide federal matching funds directly to local fire and EMS departments to help them provide lifesaving service in their communities. In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration is an important federal partner for local fire departments for data, training, and fire prevention,” said Chief Donna Black, EFO, CFO, the President and Chair of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “I look forward to working with them to pass this important legislation this year.”

“Volunteer and combination fire and EMS departments struggle to get the funding they need to keep the lights on, fuel the ambulance, and purchase turnout gear,” said National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch. “Local fundraisers such as chicken dinners can only raise so much. The AFG and SAFER programs are critical to these departments because they allow them to purchase needed equipment and provide recruitment incentives to volunteers to serve their community. I appreciate Chairman Peters and Senator Collins for their leadership in moving this reauthorization forward.”

“The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) thanks Chairman Peters and Senator Collins for their support of America's fire and emergency services. Reauthorizing the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) will help to ensure that fire departments across the country have the necessary support to keep their communities safe," said President of the CFSI Board of Directors, Jim Estepp. “Chairman Peters and Senator Collins understand how important AFG, SAFER, and USFA are to the work of our country's fire and EMS personnel, and CFSI looks forward to working with them and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus to move forward on this vital legislation.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, I would like to thank Senator Peters and Senator Collins for their commitment to our nation’s fire and emergency services. This important legislation will help ensure fire departments across the country have access to the critical equipment, staffing, and training they need to keep our communities safe. Additionally, the bill makes continued investments in Community Risk Reduction, research into firefighter health and safety, and vital data collection efforts. We thank the Senators for their continued efforts to keep America’s firefighters and their communities safe,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“The International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) strongly supports the reauthorization of the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program, Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the U.S. Fire Administration. Investing funds to ensure our firefighters have the resources necessary to protect their communities is essential to ensuring they are able to go home to their families,” said Leigh Hubbard, Executive Director of ISFSI. “We appreciate the work Chairman Peters and Senator Collins have done on this vital legislation.”

 “The IAFF applauds Senators Peters and Collins for their leadership in developing a long-term reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER programs, which serve as integral parts of America’s fire service. Reauthorizing these programs and eliminating their statutory sunset sends a strong message that staffing, safety, and the well-being of fire fighters remains the highest priority for Congress,” said International Association of Fire Fighters, General President Edward Kelly. “The IAFF also appreciates Senators Peters and Portman’s work to reauthorize and increase funding for the U.S. Fire Administration. The USFA is a vital partner that supports fire fighters and enables their service to our communities. These funds will ensure USFA can work with America’s fire fighters to confront ever-worsening wildfires, support the continued growth of fire-based EMS, and improve our data analysis abilities. Our IAFF urges Congress to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act as soon as possible. America’s fire fighters and EMS personnel, and our communities deserve nothing less.”

“NFPA strongly supports this bipartisan bill to continue the important work of the U.S. Fire Administration as well as the AFG and SAFER grant programs that are critical to our first responders.” Jim Pauley, President & CEO, National Fire Protection Association.

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