Local fire department awarded $72,577 in grants

A Carteret County fire department is among the latest recipients of federal grant funds.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded $280,662 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program to local fire departments and emergency responders in the state of North Carolina, according to a Department of Homeland Security news release.

Western Carteret Fire & EMS was awarded a $72,577 grant for operations and safety.

“First responders form the backbone of emergency management,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May via the release. “Providing them with better training and equipment is an important investment in our future as a nation.”

The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

These grant programs are administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grant Programs Directorate and the United States Fire Administration. The full list of past and current recipients and other Assistance to Firefighter Grant program information is posted on the AFG website at www.firegrantsupport.com.