WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that $197,584 has been awarded to Ohio fire departments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

"Our first responders put their lives on the line every day across Ohio," said Brown. "These funds ensure that Ohio firefighters have the resources they need to perform their jobs safely."

AFG grants target fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with hospitals to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first-responder personnel. The chart below details Ohio grant recipients and amounts. 

Fire Department

County

Funding

Albany Area Volunteer Fire Department

Athens

$32,016

Wellston Fire Department

Jackson

$68,305

Chester Township Fire Rescue

Geauga

$97,263

All three Ohio recipients will use the funds for operations and safety improvements, which can include training, equipment, the purchase of personal protective equipment, efforts to promote wellness and fitness and health, and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

According to FEMA, the Assistance to Firefighter Grants are used to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Since 2001, nearly $4 billion in grant money has been awarded to first responder organizations.

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