WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that five Maine fire departments will receive a total of $551,431 in grant funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. 

“The AFG program is a crucial source of support for the brave men and women of fire departments across Maine who protect our communities,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “This investment will help these fire departments acquire equipment and increase training to help keep our dedicated emergency responders healthy and safe.”

The funding for the Maine fire departments are for operations and safety projects, which include professional training, equipment for wellness and fitness programs, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.  The specific awards are as follows:

• Caribou Fire and Ambulance will receive $253,334

• Fort Kent Fire Department will receive $121,715

• Dixfield Fire Company will receive $89,143

• Farmingdale Fire Department will receive $68,572

• Aurora Volunteer Fire Department will receive $18,667

The AFG program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The program was created to help assist fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations with purchasing equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel.

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