WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) announced Ocala Fire Rescue’s (OFR) ‘Assistance To Firefighters’ Grant (AFG) award from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The department will receive $381,150 to improve its operations and safety, including using the grant for new protective equipment.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is one of three grant programs administered by DHS and FEMA to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and related hazards.
“I’m so excited for our brave men and women in Ocala to have the equipment necessary to help them do their jobs more safely and effectively,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “Our first responders are heroes and it’s imperative that we ensure they stay safe while serving our communities.”
“Ocala Fire Rescue will use the Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase portable Advanced Life Support (ALS) tools that monitor cardiac function, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, among others, and serve as external defibrillators—better known as Lifepak 15s,” said OFR Fire Chief Clint Welborn.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our firefighters in Ocala. As the wife of a firefighter and paramedic myself, I know how deserving our departments are of this grant and I know they’ll continue to demonstrate the very best of our first responder community,” said Cammack.
“As a department responding to roughly 25,000 calls for service annually, having the most current life support tools is critical to providing care that leads patients toward successful recoveries,” added Chief Welborn. “Thanks to this award, OFR can replace aging equipment, maintaining the exceptional service our community deserves and expects.”
In FY 2020, the AFG program administered nearly $320 million in competitive grants to eligible applicants whose awards will best address the priorities of the AFG program.
The Office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack offers information on federal grant programs available to communities in Florida’s Third Congressional District. To learn more, visit cammack.house.gov or contact the Gainesville District Office at 352-505-0838.
