Rep. Sykes Votes In Support Of Bipartisan Legislation To Extend Federal Support For Local Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued a statement after voting in support of S. 870 – Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation to extend federal programs that help support local fire departments across the country. The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). These programs are set to expire and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.
“Firefighters are true champions of our communities, responding to dangerous calls and putting their lives on the line every day without hesitation. I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation to ensure our firefighters have the federal resources they need to continue responding quickly and efficiently to emergencies across the district,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’ll continue to advocate for resources to keep our firefighters safe as they protect our communities.”
In 2020 and 2021, 649 Ohio fire departments received funding from AFG grants. In Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, Jackson Township received $340,000, the Canton Fire Department Received $329,000, the Akron Fire Department received $320,000, the Munroe Falls Fire Department received $60,000 and the Fairlawn Fire Department received $47,000.
Rep. Sykes spoke in support of the House version of this legislation during a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing in June 2023. View Rep. Sykes’ remarks here.