Fort Smith Fire Department Receives FEMA Grant to Enhance Firefighters’ Health and Safety
Fort Smith, AR - The City of Fort Smith is excited to announce it has been awarded a $140,019 grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. With a 10% match from the City, this funding will be used to establish a comprehensive occupational medical program for the Fort Smith Fire Department, fully compliant with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 standards.
The grant will cover essential startup costs, including baseline physicals, immunizations, and cancer screenings. This program aims to standardize and improve the level of healthcare provided to firefighters, focusing on early detection of critical health issues like cardiac events and cancer—two of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters. This new program will provide consistent, high-quality medical care tailored specifically for the unique risks firefighters face.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our firefighters, who put their lives on the line for our community every day,” said Fort Smith Fire Chief Boyd Waters. “This grant from FEMA will allow us to establish a robust health program that supports their well-being and operational readiness.”
The Fort Smith Fire Department thanks FEMA and the AFG Program for their support in enhancing firefighter safety. For further details, please contact Ethan Millard, Division Chief of Operations at Ethan Millard at emillard@fortsmithar.gov
About the City of Fort Smith: The City of Fort Smith is committed to providing high-quality, resident-focused services for the advancement of a thriving community. Our vision is to be a dynamic, business, family, and military-friendly destination that welcomes people from all over the world
About the Fort Smith Fire Department: The mission of the Fort Smith Fire Department is to serve the community by protecting lives, property, and the environment in a safe, efficient, and professional manner. The purpose of the Fort Smith Fire Department is to provide timely, effective, and efficient fire protection, suppression, prevention, education, and investigation services to the citizens of Fort Smith.
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