Tester Secures More Than $300,000 for Firefighter Training Services in Montana

Funding will go towards MSU Extension Service’s Fire Services Training School

Continuing his longstanding efforts to support Montana’s firefighters, U.S. Senator Jon Tester secured $336,522 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) that will go toward the Fire Services Training School, a state level agency which provides professional development for community fire and rescue services that is attached to the Extension Service of Montana State University.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Tester secured these funds through the FY23 government funding bill. Senator Tester was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to vote for this funding.

“Every day, Montana’s firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, rushing into danger while others run away – and as we train the next generation of firefighters, we’ve got to make sure they have the support and resources they need,” said Tester. “I’ve always been proud to support reauthorizing critical AFG grants to help Montana’s fire departments purchase equipment, and I’m glad to see that funding go towards Montana’s future firefighters.”

In June, Tester introduced his bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act to reauthorize the AFG and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Programs, as well as increase funding for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) through 2028. AFG and SAFER are the main sources of federal funding for firefighters and help departments purchase equipment and increase staffing – and both programs were set to expire in September 30, 2024. Both programs backed by Tester are particularly important to small, rural, and volunteer fire departments.

Tester has consistently supported Montana’s firefighters. Tester currently serves as Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, he also recently secured $648 million for AFG and SAFER in the 2024 government funding bill.

You can read more about Tester’s efforts to support state and federal firefighters HERE.