By U.S. Sen. Susan Collins(R-Maine)
Our career and volunteer firefighters are among our bravest public servants. It is difficult to imagine the courage it takes to enter a burning building or approach a blazing truck or railroad car that may be about to explode—especially when others are running in the opposite direction. We can only dimly grasp the skill and discipline it takes to rescue and tend to a fire or an accident victim in the midst of confusion and danger. At any time, any of us could easily find our lives dependent on the firefighting and rescue skills of these heroic and dedicated men and women. The impact of firefighters extends well beyond their home towns. Not only do they routinely offer mutual assistance among towns, but as highly trained first responders, they also are a key component in state and federal preparedness plans for responding to natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Carrying out these responsibilities requires enormous effort, not to mention ample resources for recruiting and training personnel and for securing and maintaining modern equipment.
To assist with the vital mission of our nations’ fire departments, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security administers the FIRE Act grants program, which includes the Assistance to Firefighters, Fire Prevention and Safety, and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants. These programs have been invaluable to fire departments throughout the nation and right here in Maine. They help fire departments purchase new, used, or refurbished vehicles, and to obtain equipment for firefighting, interoperable communications, chemical detection, and other purposes that are essential to first responders.
Since January of this year, 22 Maine fire and rescue departments have received funds from these grant programs, totaling nearly $2 million. This year, fire departments in Arrowsic, Bangor, Bath, Canton, Gouldsboro, Greenbush, Hampden, Mapleton, Richmond, Springfield, Strong, Wiscasset, York, and other Maine towns have joined the ranks of those whose life-saving capabilities have been improved through these federal grants.
Since the creation of this program, Maine fire departments have been awarded more than $50 million. To qualify for these funds, every grant requires a local effort to meet a certain percent of the need. In many cases, these federal dollars enable a community’s department to obtain equipment it simply couldn’t afford on its own. And in every case, the federal grants ease local financial burdens while advancing the national interest in having first responders as prepared as possible for all disasters, whether natural or man-made.
In addition to supporting Maine applications for FIRE grants, I serve as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services Caucus. It’s the largest common-interest association of Senators and Representatives and is devoted to making the case for programs and policies that will help our firefighters do their best to protect all of us.
In recognition of my advocacy on behalf of our nation’s firefighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council recently awarded me its Legislator of the Year award. To be recognized by an organization representing those who risk their lives to serve their local communities is deeply gratifying.
Our firefighters put their lives on the line at every call to save others and protect property, whether in a single house fire or in a widespread disaster. Like the members of our armed forces, they need good equipment, adequate staffing, intensive training, and public support to do their job. We owe them all a debt of gratitude and we must continue to work to help ensure that they are kept as safe as possible as they protect each of us.
