Sen. Hassan: NH Delegation Announces Nearly $101K in CARES Act Funding to Support PPE & Disinfectant Purchases by Granite State Fire Departments on Frontlines of COVID-19

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2021:

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $100,921 in federal funding to New Hampshire through the CARES Act. The funding will support emergency purchases of lifesaving personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectant supplies and equipment by Granite State fire departments on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) COVID-19 Supplemental Program, the following cities and towns received grants:

* Keene Fire Department- $32,398.17

* Londonderry Fire Department- $30,540.51

* Candia Fire Department- $11,422.90

* Bedford Fire Department- $9,846.21

* Newport Fire Department- $6,520.00

* Farmington Fire Department- $6,052.38

* Francestown Fire Department- $2,202.38

* Tilton-Northfield Fire District- $1,938.78

The AFG program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public.

"During this deadly pandemic, New Hampshire's firefighters have continued to put their lives on the line, protecting our communities and serving local residents in need despite the tremendous risks they face. It is imperative that they have access to the equipment and supplies they need to protect their health and well-being while on the job," said Senator Shaheen, who helped secure these grants as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which is responsible for funding the AFG program. "Reimbursing Granite State fire departments for purchases of lifesaving PPE and disinfectant equipment and supplies provides critical support to ensure our brave firefighters can continue their important work while on the frontlines of this crisis. I'll continue to stand with our emergency responders and advocate for the resources needed to keep our communities going through this crisis."

"Fire fighters across our state risked their lives every day to save others even before the pandemic, and now they're facing even greater challenges," said Senator Hassan. "Just yesterday, I spoke with Granite State first responders about the severe mental health toll that the pandemic has taken on them and the communities they serve. While there is much more that we must do to support fire fighters and first responders, I am glad that fire departments are receiving this federal investment to protect fire fighters' health and help curb the spread of COVID-19."

"Our brave Granite State firefighters put their own safety and wellbeing at risk to protect our communities, and we must do everything we can to keep them out of harm's way," said Representative Kuster. "This federal CARES Act funding will go a long way to help ensure that New Hampshire's firefighters have the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectant supplies they need to safely do their jobs as they work to support our communities during the COVID-19 public health crisis. I will continue my efforts in Congress to ensure our firefighters and first responders have the resources and support to continue their important work."

"As our firefighters and first responders continue to work every day on the front lines of this pandemic, it is essential they have the PPE and supplies they need to keep themselves, their families, and communities healthy and safe," said Representative Pappas. "As Congress works to pass additional COVID-19 relief legislation, I will continue to fight for Granite State first responders and frontline workers who have gone above and beyond to keep our state safe."