First Responder Grant Renewal Program Passes Legislature

A bill that will extend a grant program for first responders has cleared the General Assembly and is headed to the governor’s desk for final approval.

Senate Bill 866 extends the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program until 2016. Created in 2003 using revenue from the legalization of slot machines, the grant program was scheduled to sunset this year.

The grants are aimed at helping first responder organizations buy new equipment, make repairs to existing equipment, pay off debts or provide training and certification.

“This grant program has become critical to our volunteer fire departments and ambulance services,” said state —who is also a longtime fireman. “Like every other organization and every level of government, they’re struggling through the recession, but the need for their services remains constant.”

Under the new law, career fire companies are also eligible to apply for grants.  An additional $5 million in gaming proceeds will be added to cover that expansion.

The grants are administered by the state Office of the Fire Commissioner and totaled more than $25 million last year for 2,569 organizations.

For more information on the program, click here.