The Firefighter Assistance Grant Program was established pursuant to Section 633.135, F.S., within the Division of State Fire Marshal (Division) to improve the emergency response capability of volunteer fire departments and combination fire departments by providing financial assistance to provide firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue services to their communities. The Division is required to administer the program and annually award grants to such fire departments using the annual Florida Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey. The purpose of the grants is to provide funding to such fire departments to use to provide volunteer firefighter training and procure necessary firefighter personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus equipment, and fire engine pumper apparatus equipment. The Division shall prioritize the annual award of grants to combination fire departments and volunteer fire departments demonstrating need as a result of participating in the annual Florida Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey. The proposed rules will implement the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program.