With Funding at Risk, Brown Joins Lakewood Firefighters to Call for Renewal of Program to Keep Northeast Ohio Firefighters Safe Before It Expires at End of This Month

LAKEWOOD, OH – With funding at risk if Congress does not act by Feb. 27, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined firefighters from the Lakewood Fire Department to urge a renewal of a critical fire safety program before it expires at the end of the month. Brown called for the full funding of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – set to expire at the end of the month – which provides grants to local fire departments to hire firefighters and purchase new equipment. If Congress does not pass an extension of funding for DHS by Feb. 27, these critical resources would be delayed under a DHS shutdown.

“The last thing Ohioans want is another shutdown that puts our safety at risk,” Brown said. “That's why I'm fighting for Congress to pass a clean funding bill for critical safety gear and equipment to protect firefighters here in Lakewood and around Ohio. We must avoid a costly and dangerous shut down and ensure that our first responders have the equipment and resources they need to keep Ohio communities safe.”

The Lakewood Fire Department has applied for funding to replace outdated air masks through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) Program. More than 500 Ohio fire departments currently have active applications for funding through AFG – which could be delayed or disrupted unless Congress acts. While funding decisions are scheduled to begin next month, a DHS shutdown would delay the grants until the agency is funded. Last week, Brown provided county-by-county information on the fire departments throughout Ohio that have applied for a total of more than $100 million in AFG funds during this application round.

The AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant programs provide critical assistance to local fire departments that often depend on federal funding for equipment, staffing, and safety upgrades that local governments cannot afford. The AFG program provides funds for firefighter training, facility upgrades, and new equipment while the SAFER program allows local municipalities to hire career firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The FP&S program supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards.

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