FETN Seeks Final Applications for Grant-Writing Assistance; Fire & Emergency Training Network's Deadline for Free AFGP Grant-Writing Service March 17.

CARROLLTON, Texas -- Fire & Emergency Training Network (FETN) today announced that the deadline for accepting final applications for their free grant-writing assistance service offered to fire and EMS agencies seeking funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) is March 17.

A recent appropriations bill passed by Congress for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allotted $650 million in federal funds for the 2005 AFGP. FETN, a leading provider of fire training, is offering free grant-writing support to qualifying fire departments and EMS agencies that plan to write grant proposals requesting a portion of this federal grant aid.

"We try to help as many departments as possible, however, FETN has a limited capacity as to the number of departments we can assist each year," said Chief Randy Corbin (ret.), vice president of FETN. "The sooner a department contacts FETN, the more likely our grant team will be able to help them. We encourage everyone to reserve their appointment for our assistance by March 17."

Many departments lack the resources they need to properly train their firefighters and effectively protect the communities they serve. Since the DHS established the AFGP in 2001 (formerly known as the FIRE Act Grant), FETN has helped departments secure nearly $10 million in grant funds. With these awards, most departments purchase continuing education materials, new protective gear, equipment and apparatuses to use during emergencies, wellness and fitness programs, as well as the latest technology available for their stations.

In 2003, departments who received FETN's assistance experienced an 81 percent success rate. Each year, more departments are registering for FETN's grant-writing service in order to compete for a portion of the funding. Grant applications with the highest scores are the first to be announced. The AFGP application period is scheduled to end April 8, so the sooner departments begin working on their proposals, the better.

For any department planning to apply for the 2005 AFGP, FETN recently introduced the FETN Grant Command Center (www.fetncommandcenter.com), a new Web site designed to aid fire and EMS agencies in grant-writing from their personal computer. Through the Web site, FETN offers AFGP applicants many of the tools necessary to create a successful grant proposal.

"We know this Web site will be a huge asset for many fire and EMS agencies who otherwise would be doing it alone," said Randy Corbin. "We still recommend departments take advantage of our free grant-writing when developing their proposals, but the Web site can serve as an additional resource for applying departments and includes information about our services, such as frequently asked questions and helpful planning tips and hints." The DHS online application is available now through April 8 at 5 p.m. online at: www.firegrantsupport.com. To register for FETN's free grant-writing service, visit www.fetncommandcenter.com or call 1-866-GRANT-DC (866-472-6832).

About Fire & Emergency Training Network (FETN)

Fire & Emergency Training Network (FETN), provides quality training, education and information to empower emergency personnel to react safely, swiftly and capably. FETN reaches more than a quarter-million fire and EMS personnel each month, giving fire, EMS and technical rescue personnel access to consistent, quality training. For more than a decade, FETN has been providing the fire service with convenient access to training from the country's foremost experts on safety, rescue, terrorism, emergency medicine, multiple alarms, prevention and natural disasters. All of FETN's training is compliant with NFPA, DOT, ISO, OSHA, CECBEMS and other standards, enabling emergency response workers to learn about important regulations and satisfy certification requirements at a fraction of what it would cost to attend specialized workshops and seminars. To learn more about FETN, visit www.fetn.com.