On June 21, the U.S. Senate passed Sen. Martin Heinrich’s bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation that will extend federal programs that help support local fire departments in New Mexico and across the country.
The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program through 2030 and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) through 2028.
The programs are set to expire this year and are used by fire departments in New Mexico to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. The legislation now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk.
“Now more than ever, we need to get New Mexico’s firefighters and first responders the support needed to combat fires and keep our communities safe,” Heinrich said in a press release.
Local fire departments use the SAFER and AFG programs to recruit and retain additional personnel, as well as purchase up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles and more. Fire stations also use the programs to provide health screenings for firefighters and first responders and to fund important safety, technical rescue and emergency medical training.
According to a press release, since 2015, the SAFER and AFG programs have delivered over $15.3 million to local fire departments across New Mexico.
The SAFER program has provided federal grants to support hiring and recruitment at local fire departments in Bernalillo County, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and others.
The Fire Grants and Safety Act gives $95 million to USFA for the program– a nearly $20 million increase from current levels and also continues the current levels of funding for the programs.