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The Assistance to Firefighters Grant 2008 Program - Part 2: Success Stories

PMatthews — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:46:35 +0000

Since 2001, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program has helped hundreds of U.S. fire departments upgrade or replace their tools and equipment. In this podcast, Firehouse.com Grants contributor Brian Vickers talks with three departments that have used this federal program for major upgrades. The AFG monies even helped one department purchase their first new apparatus.

Joining Firehouse.com on this podcast Daniel Bernardy, of the Inver Grove Heights, MN, Fire Department; Chief Melissa Eigenbrodt, of the Red Rock, NY, Volunteer Fire Company and John Moradito of the Border City, NY, Fire Department. These three departments have been awarded over $500,000 in the last few years.

The guests talk not only about their equipment, but their experience with the grant process. From writing the grants on their own time, to using a grant writer, these departments have improved their safety and efficiency by participating in the AFG program. The guests will offer their advice on completing the applications and the background research that’s won them the grant award.

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The Assistance to Firefighters Grant 2008 Program - Part 1

PMatthews — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:16:14 +0000

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program application period opened March 3, but are you prepared to help your department? From true interoperability to training, Firehouse.com grants contributor Brian Vickers offers an update on the important changes to the 2008 AFG program. Through his company, Firegraphics.org, Brian has helped departments win well over $57 million in grant awards.

Some of the changes in the 2008 rules include the reporting of properly-training firefighters, interoperability issues and proving the need for funds to purchase apparatus and equipment.

He answers the most common questions he’s received while presenting grant workshops and working with local department to secure federal funding. This year, the regional application process has changed. Make sure you get the inside scoop.

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Fighting for Federal Funding: 2007 Assistance to Firefighter Grants – Part 2

sosmer — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:22:52 +0000

As the filing period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is about to be open, Firehouse.com grant contributor Brian Vickers interviews three departments that have been very successful over the last few years.

Kevin Gordon of the Waco, NC, Community Volunteer Fire Department talks about the three grants awarded to his department including apparatus, rescue and more than $1 million for a regional communication upgrade. Kevin’s advice is simple: be familiar with the guidance reports and start researching early.

Despite the recent downsizing of several large industries in their district, the Gates, NY, Fire Department has been able to hire additional career firefighters. Chief James Harrington discusses the five grants, including SAFER and Fire Prevention, this his department has received.

Andy Theriault describes the three awards which were won by his department in Ipswich, MA. Several improvements have been made with the purchase of a vehicle exhaust system, new personal protective equipment and apparatus. One of his secrets includes quoting NFPA Standards in the application process.

If you have any questions, please e-mail podcast@firehouse.com.

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

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Fighting for Federal Funding: 2007 Assistance to Firefighter Grants – Part 1

sosmer — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:49:13 +0000

It was announced last week that the opening date for the 2007 Assistance to Firefighter Grants program has been postponed due to several changes. Brian Vickers, Firehouse.com grants section contributor, looks at some of the issues in this Radio@Firehouse podcast.

For the first time, departments can submit up to three applications - for equipment, apparatus and regional needs. Urban and suburban departments also are eligible for more than one apparatus grant. But, there is a catch. Tune in to see what they are. Vickers offers insight into some of the common pitfalls that can derail projects.

There’s also a move to award grants based on risks in the community. Vickers will discuss this controversial proposal.

If you have any questions, please e-mail podcast@firehouse.com. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series next week.

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

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‘Going for the Green’ - How to Win Grant Money Part IV

admin — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:13:07 +0000

On April 7 at 5 p.m. the application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program FY2006 will close. In the fourth and final part of the ‘Going for the Green’ Podcast series, Radio@Firehouse speaks with three Congressional leaders who helped create the program; Congressmen Steny Hoyer (MD), and Curt Weldon (PA), Senator Mike DeWine (OH).

These federal leaders know the value of these grant programs and you can listen to the discussion as they put their support behind you and your department. “If we’re going to keep America safe, it is because we have people at the local level who will be the first responders to any kind of crisis who will be well prepared, well equipped, well training and in sufficient numbers to respond to the crisis,” said Congressman Hoyer.

A long-time supporter of the fire service, Congressman Hoyer is currently a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus. Speaking of this year’s program and the current administration?s budget, Hoyer said, “I was deeply disappointed that he [President Bush] didn’t fully fund the fire grant program in his budget, nor the SAFER programs.”

Hoyer tells Radio@Firehouse, “In the SAFER program, the president included no money. This is in an area, of course, where we have the biggest problems in understaffing. The SAFER program was directed at solving that problem. Unfortunately the president again believes that it’s totally a local responsibility.” In response, with the other co-chairs of the Caucus, Hoyer says, “We have asked the budget committee to add $700 million for the fire grant and $500 million for SAFER in the house budget resolution.”

We also spoke with former fire chief, Congressman Curt Weldon. “The fire service, when I got involved and in the years when I was active, was disjointed. The union would fight with the volunteers and the union and volunteers would fight with the chief. The NFPA would do its own thing and they would all go about what was doing what was best for them. The first goal was to bring everyone together.”

In the six years since the FIRE Act was started, Weldon says at about 22,000 of the 32,000 Fire/Rescue and EMS departments in America have been awarded at least one grant. “We took the politics out of this grant process. It’s the only federal grant program where the actual firefighters and the beneficiaries themselves, rate the applications. And for those who have not won, I’d say keep trying.”

Radio@Firehouse also spoke with Senator Mike Dewine. “I saw a real problem, as some of my colleagues in the house, as I traveled around Ohio. We have so many small fire departments along with mid and large-sized ones. A lot of them were having problems and struggling with money, not being able to really get the basic equipment that they needed. And I wanted to try and help. In the Senate, Chris Dodd and I tried to introduce the FIRE Act and we got a lot of skepticism about it.”

Dewine sums it up describing the real meaning of the program. “It’s been an amazing program. I’ve seen in my own state what has been done. We have seen department after department where it has really made a big, big difference. I was at a department the other day for an example. They didn’t even have turnout gear for every member of the department until the FIRE Act came along and now they have individualized turnout gear.”

Join Brian Vickers and his special guests on Radio@Firehouse.com, and help your department win grant money!

How to Win Grant Money Coverage:
• Part I
• Part II
• Part III

Related Information:
• Congressman Curt Weldon
• Steny Hoyer
• Senator Mike DeWine
• FireGraphics.Org/Grants

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

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‘Going for the Green’ - How to Win Grant Money Part III

admin — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:49:49 +0000

Join Radio@Firehouse for the third installment of “Going For The Green” where Firehouse.com grant guru Brain Vickers talks with three departments who have won. You will hear how the Montgomery County, MD, received, $750,000 in the largest fire prevention grant to date. Chiefs from Hailey, ID and Amsterdam, NY, have been awarded two grants during the AFG program.

Join Radio@Firehouse.com to help your department win grant money.

How to Win Grant Money Coverage:
• Part I
• Part II
• Part IV

Related Information:
• FireGraphics.Org/Grants
• Firehouse.Com’s Funding/Grant Coverage

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

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‘Going for the Green’ - How to Win Grant Money Part II

admin — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:10:48 +0000

Join Radio@Firehouse.com in the second installment of “Going for the Green”, to give your department an edge over others to win grant money. Firehouse.com Contributing Editor Brian Vickers, a Houston-area firefighter, is a freelance grant writer that has helped departments win over $11 million in grants in the last four years. This four-part series will take you through the process of applying for a grant and give you tips that are vital for winning the money. We will also hear several success stories from departments who have won the grant money.

Join Radio@Firehouse.com to help your department win grant money.

How to Win Grant Money Coverage:
• Part I
• Part III
• Part IV

Related Information:
• FireGraphics.Org/Grants
• Firehouse.Com’s Funding/Grant Coverage

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

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‘Going for the Green’ - How to Win Grant Money Part I

admin — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 17:29:42 +0000

Firehouse.Com Contributing Editor Brian Vickers, a firefighter from the Houston area, also works as a freelance grant writer and has helped departments win more than $11 million in grants over the last four years. This four-part series will take you through the process of applying for a grant and give you tips that are vital for winning the money. We will also hear several success stories from departments who have won the grant money.

Join Radio@Firehouse.com to help your department win grant money.

How to Win Grant Money Coverage:
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV

Related Information:
• FireGraphics.Org/Grants

• Firehouse.Com’s Funding/Grant Coverage

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

IPOD Compatible:
• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here

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Fire Service Grants Insider

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 16:54:23 +0000

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, through the Department of Homeland Security, awarded more than 5,000 applicants with over $600 million in 2005, but some of the rules have changed in 2006.

Join AFG director Brian Cowan and Fire Program Specialist Tom Harrington and former fire chief Glenn Gaines who is now consultant with the AFG program as they lead potential applicants through the program. These three encourage departments to apply for the grants which offers money for firefighting and safety equipment, staffing and fire prevention. They answer frequently asked questions and tell listeners of the most common mistakes they come across.

For additional information, including a free power point tutorial, access their website: www.FireGrantSupport.com.

Related Information:
• Firehouse.Com’s Funding/Grant Coverage
• DHS Fire Grant Support

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com

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