The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA is part of the Emergency Preparedness Directorate of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The grant program was created by Congress with the passage of the Fire Act. Funding began in 2001. The funds are distributed so that career and volunteer departments are proportionately represented, as are urban, suburban, and rural areas, and each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The applications are due in April of each year, and are reviewed by a panel of fire service representatives selected from around the country. This makes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program a truly peer-reviewed process.

Since 2003 public notices in regards to the grant program indicate that the funds are awarded by the US Department of Homeland Security. This is the same program that has been in place since 2001, and the attribution clearly reflects the correct Federal Department pursuant to its creation and the reorganization of federal agencies at that time.

The grants can be used on a number of different areas including firefighter health and safety, fire prevention, fire apparatus, firefighting equipment, and related subject areas. The amount of money to be awarded in each area is determined before the application process is started, and can change from year to year.

During the fiscal year 2001 grant program the Mont Vernon Fire Department applied for a grant to add to our Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), or breathing air, equipment. Due to the limited funds available that year, our application was not funded.

During fiscal year 2002, the Mont Vernon Fire Department applied for a grant to purchase a Thermal Imaging Camera. The grant was awarded, and the MVFD matched the required funds to purchase this camera without use of town funds.

During fiscal year 2003 the Mont Vernon Fire Department applied for a grant to replace the aging 1972 tanker truck. This tanker was nearing the end of its expected life, and had been planned for replacement in 2005. The grant was awarded and the town's share of matching funds was approved at the Town Meeting March 9, 2004. The truck was built by Dingee Machine in Cornish Flats, NH. It was placed in service in January 2005

During fiscal year 2004 the Mont Vernon Fire Department applied for a grant to replace aging firefighter protective clothing and to purchase the cleaning equipment necessary to maintain the new gear. The grant was awarded and the town's share of matching funds was approved at the Town Meeting March 8, 2005.

During fiscal year 2005 the Mont Vernon Fire Department applied for a grant to replace and upgrade self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). SCBA is the technical term for the breathing air equipment firefighters wear to allow entry into smoky and hazardous environments. In addition to the new SCBA an air compressor and air storage system was included to allow for the refilling of the SCBA air tanks at the fire station. The grant was awarded and the town's share of matching funds was provided by the non-profit Mont Vernon Fire Department Association.

During fiscal year 2006 the Mont Vernon Fire Department has applied for a grant to replace aging hydraulic rescue tools. These tools are used when extricating patients from automobile collisions. They are often times referred to as the 'Jaws of Life'. The current system was purchased used from the old Amherst Rescue Squad.

For additional information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the United States Fire Administration go to http://www.usfa.fema.gov