Aguilar Announces Over $275,000 For Colton Fire Department Emergency Preparedness
Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the City of Colton Fire Department $276,515 in the form of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The AFG Program helps first responder agencies across the nation access the necessary training and equipment to prepare for and respond to fires and extraordinary emergencies.
“Our region knows all too well the importance of emergency preparedness. I’m glad to see federal dollars come back to the Inland Empire to support our first responders and provide them with the tools they need to protect San Bernardino County residents,” said Rep. Aguilar. He added, “Bringing home federal funds to support our region is a significant part of my job and I’ll keep fighting to ensure we have access to the resources we need.”
“This grant will be put to good use by replacing our current Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses that have reached their maximum life expectancy. This equipment will keep our men and women safe in the line of duty,” said Colton Fire Department Battalion Chief Con Cendejas. He continued, “We’re grateful for the federal assistance for our community and hope to continue working with Rep. Aguilar to secure the support we need to serve Inland Empire families.”
The Colton Fire Department participated in Rep. Aguilar’s FEMA-AFG Workshop for San Bernardino County fire departments in January 2016. The Congressman’s workshop brought together local fire department representatives and FEMA staff members to talk openly about federal grant assistance. One of Rep. Aguilar’s top priorities in Congress is to secure critical federal funds to help the Inland Empire community access the resources it needs to invest in local law enforcement and first responders, education, research, transportation and infrastructure, regional recovery efforts and more. In his first term in office, Rep. Aguilar announced over $75 million in grant funding for California’s 31st Congressional District.
