Concord Ledger

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced today with U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan that over $300,000 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program funding is headed to the Chichester and Bartlett Fire Departments. The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments to enhance the safety and training of firefighters.  

Chichester Fire and Rescue Department will receive $44,780.95 to invest in firefighter turnout gear. Bartlett Fire Department in Glen, New Hampshire, will receive $289,095.23 to purchase a firefighter breathing apparatus and a breathing air compressor.  

“New Hampshire’s firefighters put themselves in harm’s way each and every day to keep our communities safe. It is essential they have the tools, equipment, and support they need to do their jobs safely,” said Kuster. “I am glad to see these critical resources heading to our state to ensure first responders have the gear they need and I will continue working to deliver for our firefighters.” 

"Granite State firefighters play an instrumental role in protecting our local communities— it’s essential they have the resources they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m glad that over $300,000 in federal funding is headed to support equipment upgrades for the Chichester and Bartlett Fire Departments. As a senior member of the Senate committee that writes our government funding legislation each year, I’ll continue working to ensure federal resources are available to firefighters in New Hampshire and across the nation.” 

“New Hampshire firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day, and it is critical that they have access to the resources and trainings that they need,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad to see this funding go to Chichester Fire-Rescue and the Bartlett Fire Department to help them access the most up-to-date equipment. As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I have helped increase AFG funding for fire departments, and I continue to work to extend the AFG program so that firefighters across New Hampshire can continue to get the equipment that they need to keep our communities safe.

In total, the FY 2023 law provides a $20 million increase in funding for firefighters compared with the enacted FY 2022 funding level. In 2022, SAFER and AFG awarded a combined $5,428,280 to New Hampshire fire departments. Earlier this year, the New Hampshire delegation welcomed $335,865 from FEMA to support Granite State firefighters in Portsmouth and Laconia through the AFG program. 

Original source can be found here.