The Mississippi State Fire Academy (MSFA) has been awarded $500,000 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant helps meet the needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. This grant will be used to buy a Medium Duty Fire Rescue Truck.

“As a nationally-recognized, top-tier Fire Academy, the AFG and this truck will enable our instructors to better prepare students for fire and rescue incidents,” said Terry Wages, MSFA Executive Director.

The truck will be used to train firefighters and first responders on standard operating procedures, training simulations, and scenario-based training evolutions while teaching fire suppression, fire and rescue training, fire brigades, and other emergency services.

“With this Apparatus we can better prepare our Fire Service men and women and better preparation will result in less fire casualties in our state,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney.

The AFG fills the MSFA’s need for an up-to-date and properly equipped rescue vehicle.  It will benefit not only the fire academy and its students, but also members of the fire service across the state.

MSFA employee Vanessa Smith wrote the grant application. The Fire Rescue Truck will comply with standards for NFPA 1451, 2018 edition; standards for NFPA 1071, 2020 edition; and standards for NFPA 1006, 2017 edition, all of which address the training and certification of firefighters and first responders. Since 2001, the AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.