Awarded through the Vehicle Acquisition Program Area of the AFG awards, the Galveston Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $191,000 and the Van Buren Township/Star City Fire Department was awarded $213,750.  This funding can be used to purchase apparatus such as pumpers, aerials, quints, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, foam units, and fireboats.

U.S. Sen.  Richard Lugar's office also released the announcement. A total of seven firec departments were awarded grants in the state.

“First responders are the backbone of our communities and it is vital to ensure they have the proper equipment and training,” Lugar said.

“Without the AFG program it would have taken us 20 years to pay for this truck,” said Galveston Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brent Ahrens. “This grant will allow us to replace our 44-year-old truck that doesn't have any seat belts.  Without this grant I'm not sure how long it would have taken us to get this truck out of service.  This grant will also make our community much safer by taking our undependable apparatus out of service.”

The purpose of the AFG Program is to award funding directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital to improve their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first responders.  Through a competitive process overseen by experts in the fire service field, AFG grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG Program.  For more information, visit the AFG Program’s website.

In Fiscal Year 2010, AFG was administered by FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The AFG program provides grants on a competitive basis to rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.

Fire departments with questions about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program may reach the fire grants help desk toll free at 1-866-274-0960 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  For the most current information regarding the AFGP, visit www.firegrantsupport.com.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Andrew Mills, Grants Coordinator, by phone at 202-224-4814 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..