Congressman Tim Ryan Announces $1 Million Awarded to the Niles Fire Department

Niles, OH – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) announces $1,007,352 awarded to the City of Niles Fire Department from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

“This is great news for the firefighters working to protect our local community here in Niles,” said Congressman Ryan. “It is important that we make safety of the utmost importance when it comes to the firefighters who put their life on the line every day. These types of federal grants are important to ensure that local fire departments have adequate funding for the resources they need to keep our community safe. I will continue to advocate to bring these funds to Niles and across Northeast Ohio.”

“This grant provides funding for additional man power only, and I am pleased that it is at no cost to the city. I want to give a special thanks to Congressman Tim Ryan for assisting with this grant,” said Niles Mayor Thomas Scarnecchia.

“This SAFER grant is sorely needed for the Niles Fire Department with the city being in fiscal emergency. This will enable the department to get to the authorized staffing level for the first time since 2007. I would like to thank Lt. John Stevens for writing for this and Rep. Ryan for the assistance he provided in obtaining this grant,” said Chief David Danielson, Niles Fire Department.

The goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and emergency medical service organizations. Operations and Safety grants can be used for hiring, professional training, wellness and fitness programs equipment, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.