Branford Fire Department Gets $423K DHS/FEMA Firefighter's Grant Award

BRANFORD, CT — The Branford Fire Department announced it's been selected as recipients of a "significant" fiscal year 2022 DHS/FEMA Assistance to Firefighter's Grant Award in the amount of $422,931.98.

According to a post to social media, it's noted the department plans to launch an extensive rescue technician training program. The program aligns with Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications and Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue national standards.

Upon completion, firefighters will be certified to the technician level in crucial areas like vehicle and machinery, rope, confined space, and trench rescue.

Branford Fire Chief Tom Mahoney shared his "unwavering support of our Congressional Delegation, whose pivotal role ensures the continued availability of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. "

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude for their steadfast commitment in supporting our mission," he said.

"The Branford Fire Department remains committed to enhancing the safety and capabilities of our brave firefighters, enabling them to respond effectively to any emergency situation," the post reads. "This grant award represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to serve and protect the community."

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

AFG Program applications are reviewed through a multi-phase process. All applications are electronically pre-scored and ranked based on how well they align with the funding priorities outlined in the NOFO. Applications with the highest pre-score rankings are then scored competitively by no less than three members of a Peer Review Panel. Applications are also evaluated through a series of internal FEMA review processes for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, technical feasibility, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed project(s)."