Tester visits Bozeman fire station, pushes Congress to invest in Montana firefighters

Senator pushes for strong Homeland Security budget bill

(Bozeman, Mont.)-Senator Jon Tester today met with Bozeman firefighters and announced his strong support for two important initiatives that will improve the safety of Montana’s first responders.

In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester urged Senate leadership to provide increased funding for the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

“We ask a lot from firefighters and their families as they often put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors,” said Tester. “It is critical that these brave men and women have the resources they need to safely and effectively do their job.”

Fire departments across the country are eligible for SAFER grants which can be used to hire new full-time firefighters or recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.

The FIRE grants increase firefighter safety by helping purchase equipment like infrared cameras, protective gear, hazmat suits and oxygen tanks for full-time and volunteer fire departments.

Tester’s letter to the Appropriations Committee is available HERE.