I found more cuts that I'm in favor of the localities dealing with. Firefighters can also learn by doing. People learn really fast in the heat if the moment.
In Fiscal Year 2024, the federal government allocated substantial funding to support local fire departments across the United States through several key programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Major Federal Grant Programs for Fire Departments
- Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program
Allocated $291.6 million in FY 2024, this program provides funding for essential equipment, training, and facility upgrades to enhance the safety and effectiveness of fire departments.
- Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants
Approximately $32.4 million was designated for FP&S grants, focusing on fire prevention initiatives and research to improve firefighter safety.
- Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants
The SAFER program received $324 million in FY 2024 to assist fire departments in hiring and retaining frontline firefighters, ensuring adequate staffing levels for emergency response.
Combined, these programs provided over
$648 million in federal funding to local fire departments in FY 2024. These grants are crucial for departments, especially in rural and underserved areas, to maintain and improve their operational capabilities.
Additionally, the
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allocated
$350 billion in direct federal assistance to state and local governments, portions of which could be used to support fire and emergency medical services.
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These funding streams underscore the federal government's commitment to bolstering the resources and readiness of local fire departments nationwide.