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FEMA has opened applications for the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. The deadline for submitting applications for both grants is June 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
These grants are the most important and competitive opportunities available to the fire service. This year, FEMA expects that 1,800 awards will be made under the AFG program and that 190 awards will be made under the SAFER program. Congress has made $291.6 million available for AFG and $324 million for SAFER for this fiscal year.
Fire departments are encouraged to review both Notices of Funding Opportunity carefully and begin preparing applications now. Departments should confirm that their FEMA GO access and SAM.gov registration information is current before beginning. The registration and verification steps can take several weeks, so applicants should not wait if updates to their registration are needed.
About AFG: The AFG program provides funding for operations which includes training, emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness programs, fire station modifications, and emergency response vehicles.
About SAFER: The SAFER grant program focuses on staffing and service delivery. SAFER helps fire departments improve staffing levels to maintain compliance with NFPA 1750 by providing funding to hire and train fire fighters.
The IAFF Grants Administration department can help navigate the application process, understand eligibility, and ensure your request has the best possible chance of being funded. Please contact firegrants@iaff.org as early as possible for assistance. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application for review and feedback.
The IAFF will host a webinar to discuss this year’s AFG and SAFER grant opportunities and answer affiliate questions. Click the link below to register.
What: AFG/SAFER Application Webinar
When: May 27, 2026 @ 2 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register: https://iaff-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/oWBxhbbTRASotsIz9QDqQA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
RETIREMENT PARTY
BATTALION CHIEF DANIEL TOMPKINS
May 22, 2026
Groton Elks Lodge 2163
The UPFFA of Connecticut is pleased to welcome the newest Connecticut IAFF Local 5614, Mystic Career Firefighters Association.
In solidarity,
Peter Brown, President
Louis P. DeMici, Secretary
Steven H. Michalovic, Treasurer
For 108 years, the #IAFF has brought fire fighters and emergency medical workers together to improve safety on the job and raise the standard of the profession.
Here’s to the members who came before us – and those carrying it forward today.
I am pleased to announce that Dan Tompkins, District Vice President, Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut, was elected
Vice Chairman of the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control.Congratulations, Brother Tompkins!
Peter Brown
President, UPFFA of Ct.
2026 UPFFA Charity Golf Tournament Registration Now Open
Dear Brothers & Sisters:
We are pleased to announce the 2026 Annual UPFFA of Connecticut Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at The VUE in Hamden, Connecticut.
Attached you will find the Sponsor & Registration Packet, which includes player registration details and available sponsorship opportunities.
This event directly supports the UPFFA Charitable Foundation and the many charitable programs and organizations it assists throughout the year.
We hope you will consider participating, sponsoring, or sharing this information with anyone who may be interested in supporting the event.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Treasurer Michalovic at: Treasurer@upffa.org
Thank you for your continued support.
In solidarity,
Peter Brown, President
Louis P. DeMici, Secretary
Steven H. Michalovic, Treasurer
Download:
2026 UPFFA Golf Packet (final).pdf
CT Firefighters Seek New Cancer Protection with Access to Workers' Comp
IAFF and Metro Chiefs Advise Members of Adverse Health Risks Linked to Fire Fighter Turnout Gear
REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE
Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of ConnecticutPLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER ON THIS SITE TO ACCESS ALL FEATURES!!
The PSLF program offers complete federal student loan forgiveness after making 120 qualifying payments while working in public service. As you may know, since the Department of Education created a temporary PSLF waiver in October 2021, more than 70,000 student loan borrowers qualified for federal student loan forgiveness under the PSLF program, totaling close to $5 billion in relief. Even more public servants have received credit for past periods of repayment that previously did not qualify, putting them closer to reaching the minimum number of payments required for forgiveness. The Department of Education estimated that at least 550,000 public servants will benefit from the temporary waiver.
The temporary waiver allows monthly payments that previously weren’t eligible to count towards the 120 required monthly payments for PSLF. It will help the many borrowers who have previously been denied forgiveness because they had the wrong type of federal loan, were in the wrong type of repayment plan, encountered a payment technicality or administrative error, etc. However, this waiver expires on October 31, 2022. We want to make sure that all public servants have the opportunity to benefit from this important change.
CONNECTICUT STATE FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, proudly serving the Citizens of the State of Connecticut for over 73 years.
Advocating, Protecting and Advancing Professional Fire Fighters throughout Connecticut.
The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut
represents Sixty (60) Connecticut IAFF Locals.
Take Action!
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