MJ Burben INC.

05/19/2026

Our FEMA SAFER Recruitment and Retention FY25 first class.
Congratulations Hillcrest!

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

We OPEN tomorrow!
FEMA today announced $648 million in three funding opportunities to help firefighters and other first responders stay safe while protecting lives and communities nationwide. Through these three funding opportunities, FEMA is empowering fire stations and other first responder organizations to get the equipment, staff, and support they need.

“When a disaster strikes, firefighters and other first responders are often the first ones on the scene, making them a critical component of every community’s emergency response capabilities,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator Robert Fenton. “These heroes put their lives on the line every day for all of us, and FEMA is proud to support them. The funding announced today will help fire departments across the country hire more trained staff, buy better equipment, and keep their workforce healthier.”

The funding opportunities published today span three separate grant programs:

FEMA will award $291.6 million through Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to fire departments and other emergency medical services agencies. Recipients can use the money to acquire personal protective equipment and emergency response vehicles. They can also use it to fund health, wellness and resiliency initiatives to prepare responders for incidents.
FEMA will award $324 million in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations. Recipients can use this money to pay salaries for firefighters, enabling them to stay well-staffed. They can also use the money to recruit more people into the fire service and retain them.
FEMA will award $32.4 million through the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant program to fire departments and non-profit organizations, academic and other research-oriented institutions. Recipients can use this money to fund research and clinical studies focused on community fire prevention and firefighter safety, health and well-being.
The application period for all three grant programs opens on May 19, 2026, and will close on June 22, 2026.

04/30/2026

The Federal DHS-FEMA funding bill has officially passed Congress and is currently awaiting the President’s signature. This is a major development for the fire and emergency services community nationwide.

We anticipate the opening of the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), SAFER, and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grant programs very soon.

Based on current information, we expect this application cycle to move extremely fast. All departments and agencies planning to apply should begin preparing immediately.

MJ Burben Inc. has already sent all current clients an email containing:
• Required application documentation
• Budget and call volume requests
• NFIRS reporting guidance
• Preliminary application instructions
• Planning recommendations for AFG, SAFER, and FP&S submissions

If you are a current client, please check your email as soon as possible and begin gathering the requested materials. Early preparation will be critical this year.

As always, MJ Burben Inc. remains committed to helping fire departments, EMS agencies, and municipalities secure the funding necessary to protect their communities and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

04/27/2026

We are proud to share a major milestone for the Stratford Fire Department: their fully funded FEMA AFG Pumper/Tanker is officially in production! This apparatus, being built by Fort Garry Fire Trucks, represents exactly what strategic grant writing and strong partnerships can accomplish.

A special thank you to Adam and Nick of VanderMolen Sales and Service for their continued support and expertise throughout the build process. Your attention to detail and commitment to getting it right make all the difference.

And to Chief Vedder…
It’s coming! Ha!

At MJ Burben Inc., this is what we do: turning critical department needs into fully funded realities. From concept to award to implementation, we stay with our clients every step of the way.

If your department is looking to fund apparatus, equipment, training, or facilities, let’s talk.

04/23/2026

MJ Burben is a proud Gold Sponsor of the Masonic Medical Research Institute 1958 Gala.

02/17/2026

Thank you, Congressman Tonko

On Wednesday, February 18th at 6:00 PM, I'm hosting a Town Hall Event at Ballston Spa High School to hear directly from you and your loved ones. Spaces are limited, so click HERE to reserve your spot today!

02/03/2026

01/09/2026

MJ Burben Inc. would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Chief Michael Moody on his unanimous appointment as the Ithaca Fire Chief.

We cannot say enough about what a pleasure it has been to work with Mike. Our entire team has learned a great deal from his leadership, insight, and thoughtful perspective on firefighting and emergency services in the modern era. Mike exemplifies the qualities of both an outstanding Fire Chief and a strong public administrator.

Congratulations, my friend. We could not be happier for you and wish you continued success in this well-earned role.

Congratulations Chief Moody!

At its January 7, 2026, meeting, the City of Ithaca Common Council unanimously appointed Michael Moody as the permanent Fire Chief of the Ithaca Fire Department (IFD), effective immediately. Moody has served as the Acting Fire Chief for IFD since October 2025, following the retirement of Rob Covert.

Full story on our website: https://www.cityofithacany.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1336