Tester Secures $145,000 for Great Falls Firefighters

Funds will be used to bolster firefighter operations and safety

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $145,272 for the City of Great Falls to purchase safety equipment to support the operations of firefighters and to keep them safe. This equipment is designed to remove potential carcinogens on firefighting gear and clothing.

“During a global pandemic, it’s critical that we get our firefighters the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Tester. “I’m proud to have secured these investments in our public safety infrastructure, which are going to help Great Falls first responders protect folks in the Electric City if an emergency occurs.”

Tester secured the funds through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. As the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester led the charge to increase funding for this critical program.

The AFG program helps local fire departments meet firefighting and emergency response needs by helping departments purchase critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel.

Tester recently secured $100 million in AFG funding as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help fire departments purchase personal protective equipment and other supplies necessary to address COVID-19.