The Suffolk Fire Department will receive a $296,373 federal grant to enhance its firefighting capabilities, said U.S. Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-Va.

The grant is part of the fiscal year 2004 Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program.

&uot;Fire departments often face unique funding challenges, especially when the department needs to replace antiquated equipment,&uot; Forbes said. &uot;I am pleased that the Suffolk Fire Department received this well-deserved and much-needed funding to assist them in protecting and serving local residents.&uot;

The department is not aware of the grant, said Capt. Jim Judkins, the city’s emergency services coordinator. He declined to comment, saying it would not be proper before the department receives official notification.

The AFG program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funds are meant to help rural, urban and suburban fire departments nationwide increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com