Columbus, Ga. — Fire safety upgrades are coming to Columbus and West Point thanks to U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock are delivering new resources through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which provides funding to upgrade equipment, train firefighters, advance fire safety research, and more.
The Columbus Consolidated Government will receive $315,757.89, and the City of West Point will receive $223,657.14 for professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and modifications to facilities.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock secured resources for the AFG program with bipartisan support through last year’s government funding package.
“Firefighters in Columbus, West Point, and across Georgia put their lives on the line to keep families safe,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Senator Warnock and I will never stop championing Georgia’s heroic fire departments, and these resources will help them respond to emergencies that threaten lives and property.”
“Our firefighters are some of the best among us. They run into danger to preserve our safety, and they are beacons of courage and resilience in every corner of Georgia. That is why I am honored to join Senator Ossoff in announcing these new investments in public safety for fire departments across the state,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Ossoff and I will continue working to secure additional investments so these brave public servants are able to protect and serve to the fullest of their abilities.”
“Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services is one of only two dozen departments out of about 25,000, who are both ISO-1 and accredited for 25 years or more. This Assistance to Firefighters Grant, was made available due to the efforts of Senators Ossoff and Warnock. This grant will allow the brave men and women of our CFEMS to continue to serve our Citizens in the most extreme emergencies by ensuring they are physically prepared and ready for the challenge. The citizens of Columbus are grateful to Senators Ossoff and Warnock for working to make this grant available,” said Columbus Mayor B.H. “Skip” Henderson, III.
“The Columbus Fire-EMS Department is grateful for the opportunity to be the recipient of this Assistance to Firefighters Grant award. These funds will be utilized to support our department’s Health and Wellness program by replacing obsolete fitness equipment in all of our fire stations,” said Chief Salvatore J. Scarpa, Columbus Fire & EMS. “The health and well-being of our firefighters is our top priority. This award will allow us to support our efforts to promote firefighter fitness and readiness to serve the citizens and visitors of Columbus and Muscogee County. We are grateful to Senator Ossoff for offering a letter of support to include in our grant application package. His continuous support of Georgia’s fire service is genuinely appreciated.”
“The City of West Point is pleased to have received a grant through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The grant will be used to make much needed improvements to the city communications network,” said West Point Mayor Steve Tramell. “Firefighters respond to all type emergencies and interdepartmental and external communication are essential to provide a rapid and quality service to the public. This grant will provide a high level of operational equipment to support the city staff’s effort to render aid when called. Thanks to Senator’s Ossoff and Warnock for their support of the AFG program and the assistance it provides.”
