Grant to Fund Critical Training for First Responders
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the Philadelphia Fire Department’s request to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The program would provide certification and other training to its personnel and to other first responders in the region.
“Pennsylvania’s firefighters endure risk and sacrifice every day to keep their community safe,” said Senator Casey. “This grant will ensure that the Philadelphia Fire Department is able to provide critical training to its firefighters, and others in the region, that will increase safety awareness and reduces costly accidents and injuries.”
The Assistance to Firefighters grant will be utilized to upgrade training equipment at the Philadelphia Fire Academy and to conduct instructor-led training for proper certification for its firefighters and others in the region, incoming recruiting classes and for preparedness in several critical fire service skills.
Senator Casey’s letter to FEMA can be found below:
Ms. Elizabeth M. Harman
Assistant Administrator
DHS/FEMA Program Preparedness
Tech World Building-9th Floor South Tower
800 K Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20472
Dear Ms. Harman:
It is my understanding that the Philadelphia Fire Department has submitted an application (EMW-2012-FO-05537) to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of this letter is to express my strong support for this proposal and urge you to give it full and fair consideration.
I have been informed that the Philadelphia Fire Department will use this funding for its Officer Development Project to provide NFPA certification and other training to its personnel and to other first responders in the region. Specifically, I understand that the grant will be utilized to upgrade training equipment at the Philadelphia Fire Academy and to conduct instructor-led training for proper certification for its firefighters, incoming recruiting classes and for preparedness in several critical fire service skills. It is imperative that our firefighters and first responders are able to obtain the necessary training that is so vital to public and responder safety. As it appears, this grant will ensure that the Philadelphia Fire Department is able to provide critical training to its firefighters, and others in the region, which will increase safety awareness and reduces costly accidents and injuries.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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