There is a program via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grant's (AFG). Their primary goal is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, exercise equipment, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. To learn more go to http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/.
To learn how to apply, download the guidance manual: http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/2009AFGguidance.pdf

Ask the city to split the cost with the union or firefighters association for the cost of exercise equipment or wellness programs. Check to see if the local hospital will offer services like nutrition programs or fitness testing for firefighters. Local groups and businesses may also donate funds to help purchase needed equipment or supplies.

Financing available via Cybex Capital Corporation - we can not only finance Cybex Strength and Cardiovascular equipment but non Cybex equipment such as weights, dumbbells and bars.

In today's tough economic times, fire departments are always looking for ways to raise funds for equipment and fire station supplies. Some fundraising ideas are:

• Reverse Raffles
• Golf outings with hole sponsors
• Night at the races
• Pancake Breakfast
• Bingo
• Aluminum can recycle and collection
• Many other ideas can be found at Google by typing in - Fire Department fundraising ideas