National organizations representing America’s fire and emergency services are calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized before they face a permanent sunset.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs are the primary mechanism for the federal government to support local fire departments. These critical programs will sunset on September 30, 2024, if they are not reauthorized. This would have a detrimental impact on the ability of the nation’s fire and emergency services to protect communities.
To raise awareness, the event scheduled on Thursday, October 12 in Washington, D.C., is hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Fire Protection Association, and National Volunteer Fire Council.