U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $222,657 in grant funding for the Wilton Fire Department and the Penobscot Nation Fire Department. The funding is provided through the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” or FIRE Act.
Specifically, the Wilton Fire Department will receive $199,500 in funding for Vehicle Acquisition. Additionally, the Penobscot Nation Fire Department will receive $23,157 in funding through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments’ facilities.
“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a critical source of funding for Maine’s fire and rescue personnel,” noted Senator Collins. “This grant will help provide our first responders in Wilton and the Penobscot Nation with the equipment and training that they need to better serve their communities.”
Senator Collins strongly supported the creation of the FIRE Act Grant program. These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment.