Washington, DC- Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding a grant in the amount of $81,000 to the Bessemer Fire Department through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.  The grant will be used for fire fighter education and training. 

“I am pleased that the Bessemer Fire Department will receive this grant,” said Rep. Sewell.  “Fire fighters play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and this grant program will give the Bessemer Fire Department the resources they desperately need to ensure that our communities are safe and secure.”

“We are overjoyed to be receiving this grant that will greatly benefit our fire department,” said Paul Syx, Fire Chief of Bessemer Fire Department. “This funding will go a long way in help improve the health and safety of our firefighters.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security is an integral part of the national effort to strengthen overall preparedness and respond to related hazards.  The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding for the purchase of emergency response equipment, personal safety equipment, training, firefighting trucks and emergency vehicles.

The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is to make direct awards to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their capacity to protect the health and safety of the public.  The awards are made on a competitive basis to applicants whose requests best reflect the purpose and priority of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. 

Contact:  Rob NeSmith  (202) 225-2665  Rob.NeSmith@mail.house.gov