Training Grant Funding Deadline

November 30 Application Deadline to Apply for Online Training Grant Funding

This is a reminder that November 30 is the last day to apply for a grant for online training. TargetSafety, a VCOS partner and supporter, has established that as the final date when U.S. volunteer and combination fire departments can apply for their $1.5 million online training grant.

Almost 200 applications have already been received from departments located in 45 different states. Among the states with the highest number of grant submissions are Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina and Texas followed closely by Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts and Montana.

“Last year, TargetSafety and the VCOS awarded $1 million in grant funding to volunteer and combination departments across the U.S.,” said Chief Timothy S. Wall, VCOS chair. “With an additional half million dollars in funding this year, we hope to reach even more departments, providing a greater number of firefighters with the training necessary to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

Those awarded the grant will receive six months of free access to TargetSafety’s PreventionLink™ online training and records management platform. The platform includes 15 hours of essential firefighter training from a choice of NFPA-approved fire curriculum, EMS continuing education, OSHA, human resources and general safety courses. Grant winners will also receive web-based tools for assigning, tracking and recording all online and instructor-led training as well as documenting inspections, policy reviews and other compliance-related tasks.
Volunteer and combination fire departments interested in applying for the grant can go to www.targetsafety.com/grant. Online applications must be submitted no later than November 30, 2008. TargetSafety and the VCOS will review all applications and notify grant winners by December 31. The program runs through June 30, 2009.

“As a partner of the VCOS and the IAFC, and a provider of online firefighter training since 1999, TargetSafety is absolutely committed to the men and women of the fire service,” said Kyle Kaechele, Managing Director, PreventionLink Services. “Through this program, we can help firefighters receive the instruction they need. We can also help training officers and fire chiefs easily document this training and other required compliance tasks.”
For more information about the grant, please contact TargetSafety directly at 877.944.6372 or firegrant@targetsafety.com.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/