Rep. Pete Aguilar announced the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) has received $697,072 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant-COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S) Program. The funding will allow the San Bernardino County Fire department to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, face masks, eye protection, and protective coveralls. The equipment will allow firefighters and first responders to continue their work safely during the coronavirus crisis.

“I’m proud to announce this funding, which will allow our firefighters and first responders to safely serve the community during this unprecedented public health crisis. These funds will help protect heroes in our community from this virus and empower them to continue saving lives, which is why I’ll continue fighting for robust funding for first responders,” said Aguilar.

“Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the San Bernardino County Fire department has implemented stringent safety policies and procedures. These directives are to protect our first responders as well as the community we serve. When our County declared the local emergency, we were proactive in the immediate purchase of PPE. We are actively making sure that Personal Protective Equipment is readily available to the first responders in our community. The award of this grant is a tremendous help in our mission to serve the people of San Bernardino County. On behalf of both our Department and the County, we would like to thank FEMA for this award.” said Fire Chief Dan Munsey.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and on the Department of Homeland Security Subcommittee, the subcommittee responsible for allocating funds for the AFG program.