February 6, 2009

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), is pleased to announce the Fairmount Fire Protection District will receive $342,016 as part of the FY 2008 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program. The SAFER grant is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

“The Fairmount Fire Protection District and surrounding community is experiencing rapid growth and development. This SAFER grant will allow for the fire department to grow with it. The Fairmount Fire Protection District has already begun to expand by designing a third station and this grant will be vital for hiring and training more employees for their new location. Increasing firefighters on duty insures a safer community. We must continue to fully fund and invest in our local first responders,” stated Perlmutter.

The goal for the grant is to strengthen the recipient’s ability to respond to fire and fire related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical service organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy needed equipment. Nationally, the FY 2008 AFG awards will provide approximately $190 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.

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