Homer, Ga. — Fire safety upgrades are coming to protect Georgia families thanks to U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock.
The Town of Homer; City of Rossville; Heard County; and Union City will receive funding through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program for professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and modifications to facilities.
The Town of Homer will also receive funding through the Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to retain and hire firefighters.
The City of Fayetteville will receive funding through the Federal Fire Prevention & Safety Grant (FP&S) program to carry out fire prevention education and training, including fire code enforcement, fire/arson investigation, firefighter safety and health programming, and more.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock secured resources for these Federal programs with bipartisan support through last year’s government funding package.
“Firefighters 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.”
“The firefighters of Rossville are extremely appreciative of receiving this grant. Rossville being an economically challenged community will benefit immensely. Finding funds in a small community like ours is very challenging. This grant will assist our fire department in helping others in their time of need,” said Rossville Mayor Teddy Harris.
“The Council and I are deeply honored by the support extended to us from the Department of Homeland Security through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” said Union City Mayor Vince R. Williams. “Recently designated as Georgia’s fastest growing City, our community is profoundly grateful to Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock for ensuring our firefighters have the necessary resources to serve with excellence. This funding is critical and aligns seamlessly with our initiative to Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine a safer and more resilient community.”
“We are excited to have been awarded this grant and appreciate everyone involved in the process. Money for rural counties such as ours is tight and grants give us the opportunity to purchase equipment that will greatly benefit our citizens for years to come,” said Heard County Commissioner James Perry. “We support our first responders and are pleased with their work in applying and obtaining this grant. We again want to thank Senator Ossoff for his dedication in bringing grants like this to Georgia and particularly Heard County.”
Please find a summary of grant awards below:
| Organization | Program Area | Federal Funding |
| Homer, Town of | Operations and Safety | $90,904.76 |
| Rossville City Government | Operations and Safety | $141,523.02 |
| County of Heard | Operations and Safety | $453,143.14 |
| City of Union City | Operations and Safety | $420,865.89 |
| Homer, Town of | Recruitment and Retention | $102,000.00 |
| City of Fayetteville | Fire Prevention and Safety | $60,590.27 |
