Bingaman: New Mexico fire departments to benefit from federal funds

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that eight New Mexico Fire departments will benefit from $584,918 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

With the exception of the Velarde Valley, the following New Mexico Fire Departments will receive funding for operations and safety programs and can be used for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. Velarde Valley was awarded funding under the Vehicle Acquisition Program. Eligible equipment includes, but is not limited to, pumpers, aerials, quints, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, foam units, and fireboats.

• Velarde Valley Volunteer Fire Department will receive $118,750

• Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Department — $114,950

• Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue — $92,342

• City of Las Cruces — $83,036

• Carlsbad Fire Department — $59,400

• Village of Dora Fire Department — $57,540

• Taos County EMS — $47,500

• Hillsboro Fire and Rescue Department — $11,400

“Ensuring New Mexico’s fire and rescue departments are properly equipped and trained is a top priority. This funding will help them better serve New Mexico communities,” Bingaman said.

Bingaman is a strong supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters programs, which provide much-needed federal assistance to local fire departments for equipment, training, and fire prevention campaigns.