WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Honolulu Fire Department will receive $1,099,062 to help pay for equipment, training and other operational costs, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono, and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.
The money for Honolulu comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Fiscal Year 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The primary goal of the AFG program 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 to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
“Every day the men and women of the Honolulu Fire Department and emergency medical service personnel work hard to respond to all manner of emergencies and help ensure that our residents and visitors are safe. These funds will help provide them the equipment and training necessary to maintain the high level of service that makes Honolulu one of the safest major cities in America,” said Senator Inouye.
“I am pleased that the Honolulu Fire Department will receive this critical funding for equipment, training, and other investments needed to be ready for fire emergencies,” said Senator Akaka. “The more we focus on preparedness now, the better we will be able to respond effectively and recover quickly when a disaster strikes.”
“Every day, Hawaii’s firefighters and emergency medical service personnel put their lives on the line to protect our families and communities. This past year, these brave professionals responded to 82,881 emergency calls statewide. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program ensures that our firefighters and emergency medical service crews have the equipment, vehicles, and training they need to perform their duties as safely as possible,” said Congresswoman Hirono.
“Every day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our neighbors and communities. Their commitment and courage are a constant inspiration to all who aspire to serve. This federal funding for the Honolulu Fire Department will help ensure our firefighters continue to receive the proper training and resources they need to respond to emergencies safely and effectively, and stands as both an acknowledgement of the importance of these first responders to Hawaii residents and a recognition of their dedication,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa.
For more information please visit: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/