Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Announce Grant Award for Lifesaving Equipment at Delaware Fire School

DOVER, Del. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.), announced an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award for $435,500 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the Delaware Fire School. This is the Fire School’s fifth AFG award to date. 

“So many of the brave men and women who serve First State communities as firefighters volunteer their time, and they are often called upon to do far more than just fight fires as part of their work to keep us safe. We need to be sure to properly thank those who protect us, and the best way to do that is to give them the tools, resources and education they need,” said Senator Carper, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “This school has really grown and expanded over the years and stands as a testament to all of us who are dedicated to making training more productive and safer for our firefighters.” 

“When danger strikes, our firefighters are first on the scene to protect our neighbors and assess the situation,” said Senator Coons. “Every day the brave men and women in our fire departments put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe and the least we can do to thank them for their work is to provide them with the resources and training they need to properly carry out their dangerous missions. Our nation relies on our local fire fighters to be first responders to national emergencies, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism, and we owe them the support that they need to fill this role.”

“For more than 50 years, the Delaware Fire School has been instrumental in providing First State firefighters with the knowledge and training to save lives and keep the public safe,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I’m proud to announce, alongside my colleagues, this grant which will ensure that both instructors and students have the proper resources and protective gear to keep themselves safe, so the next generation of Delaware first responders are well trained and ready to serve.”

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations, and State Fire Training Academies. This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

The grant will be used to purchase computers, protective gear for instructors, and training props. The Delaware Fire School was started in 1966 to provide a permanent training center for firemen and women, and has been supported by Governors, including Carper, legislators and firemen over the years. 

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