Laredo, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $67,436.72 in federal funds to the City of Laredo and Webb County Fire Department. These funds, awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Supplemental (AFG-S), will be used to support the health and safety of firefighters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During these unprecedented times, we need to support our brave firefighters that are on the front lines, risking their lives to protect our community,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will provide our fire departments with the necessary resources to ensure our first responders have safe working conditions. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I remain steadfast in my support for our courageous firefighters and first responders as we continue to combat this virus.”

“I want to thank Judge Tano E. Tijerina, Mayor Pete Saenz, Webb County Fire Chief Ricardo Rangel, Laredo Fire Chief Guillermo Heard, County Commissioners, City Council, and the rest of their staff for their commitment to protecting our families, friends, and neighbors.”

As senior of member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $100 million for Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. The funding is authorized for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related supplies for our nation’s first responders.

Specifically, Webb County Fire Department received $44,254.90 and the City of Laredo Fire Department received $23,181.82. The two fire departments will use the federal investment to ensure every firefighter can be protected against the virus when responding to COVID related calls. In addition, the funding may also help purchase needed firefighting equipment.

Since 2001, 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.