Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) announced more than $1 million in federal grants for Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue (MDFR). Miami-Dade Fire Rescue will receive a $1,015,974 grant through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to make much-needed upgrades to its dispatch system. The upgrades will help reduce response times and enable MDFR to better serve Miami-Dade’s growing population.

“I am delighted that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue will receive these critical resources,” said Congresswoman Wilson.

“The men and women of Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue regularly risk their lives to ensure the safety of our communities. They deserve the best equipment and training available.”

According to DHS, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is an important component of the broader effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness with regard to fires and related hazards. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $5.25 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. During fiscal year (FY) 2012, the AFG will award another $337.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

###

U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.