Delaware’s Congressional Delegation Announces $1.7 Million in Federal SAFER Funding for Wilmington Fire Department

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, as well as Representative John Carney (all D-Del.), today announced $1,723,327 in federal funding to strengthen the number of trained firefighters in Wilmington’s neighborhoods. The funding was made possible through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER).

“With Delaware’s fire companies struggling with serious budget challenges, our firefighters need this help now more than ever. The important work that these brave men and women do to keep us safe must continue, regardless of the state of our economy. As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’m committed to ensuring fire companies in Delaware and across the country have a properly trained and functional staff and stay in compliance with national regulations. This grant helps the Wilmington Fire Department maintain the mandatory number of personnel and helps train more firefighters to perform at their very best during times of crisis.”

“Especially in these difficult economic times, it’s important that we continue to ensure the safety of our citizens and that our first-response agencies with the personnel and equipment they need,” Senator Coons said. “During my time as New Castle County Executive, I fully supported our first responders and have continued to do so in the Senate. This grant to the Wilmington Fire Department will not only help keep residents safe, but will help provide our brave firefighters with resources they need to stay safe on the job.”

“Ensuring that local fire departments are prepared to quickly and efficiently respond to emergencies is critical to the safety of citizens in communities across the country,” said Congressman Carney. “Using this grant, the Wilmington Fire Department will be able to train additional firefighters, enhance their safety standards and better serve the people of Delaware.”

Visit FEMA’s website for more information: http://www.firegrantsupport.com/content/html/safer/default.aspx.