RCFR Fire Investigator Chosen to Review FEMA Grants

Josh Sanders, Firefighter and Arson Investigator for Rutherford County Fire-Rescue was selected to represent RCFR and the International Association of Arson Investigators as a peer reviewer for the 2018 Fire Prevention & Safety-Research & Development grant period. The week of April 22, Josh joined Sanders joined others from around the country as a peer reviewer to evaluate FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grants. The review took place in Emmitsburg, MD at the National Emergency Training Center, home of the National Fire Academy and the US Fire Administration.

During the review, participants received numerous research and development grant applications to review and evaluate. These grants, awarded each year under the fire prevention and safety program through AFG, are important to the fire service as they are awarded largely to universities and other institutions who conduct research for new technologies in the fire service, and other studies that pertain to firefighter safety, health, and wellness. In addition to these grants, Sanders was asked to review several Recruitment and Retention grant applications from fire departments across the country. Sanders felt, “It was an extremely educational experience and I was honored to be a part of the process”. RCFR is proud that Josh Sanders was selected for this opportunity and know the knowledge gained during his time in Emmitsburg will be of great benefit to our department.