BIRMINGHAM – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) announced that six fire departments in the 6th District have been awarded federal fire grants totaling $520,242.
"Fire fighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and property in the community. They deserve modern equipment and the best in safety gear. This grant program helps ensure that fire companies have the necessary resources to quickly and effectively respond to emergency calls," Bachus said.
Bachus announced grants for the following departments.
Lawley Volunteer Fire Department, Lawley - $58,710 for Operations and Safety
Purchase of new communications equipment and fire gear. "We will be able to upgrade communications equipment such as radios and pagers, and replace worn-out turnout gear so we won’t have hand-me-downs and have the correct sizes," said Walter Holland of the Lawley Volunteer Fire Department.
City of Dora Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Dora - $33,262 for Operations and Safety
Purchase of fire equipment and breathing apparatus support. "The funds will be used to purchase a new breathing air filling station. Also, 12 sections of tack hose will be acquired using the grant," said Chris Edwards of the City of Dora Fire & Rescue.
Fourmile Fire & Rescue, Wilsonville - $9,500 for Operations and Safety
Purchase of thermal imaging camera. "Fourmile Fire is pleased with the award of the Thermal Imaging Camera. The department has applied several times for the funds to purchase this. We are excited about the training as well as the added safety and benefits it will bring to the community. We appreciate Congressman Bachus’ continued support of the Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program," said Deputy Chief John Entrekin of Fourmile Fire and Rescue.
Berry Volunteer Fire Department, Berry - $152,950 for Operations and Safety
Purchase of fire vehicle. "We will be using the funds to purchase a new fire truck," said Scott Berry of the Berry Volunteer Fire Department.
East Chilton Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Clanton - $218,500 for Vehicle Acquisition
Purchase of new fire truck. "This will be the fire department’s first brand new tanker truck in 30 years. It should be delivered in six to eight months. We appreciate Congressman Bachus’ support of the fire grant program," said Matt Griffin of East Chilton Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
Marble Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Sylacauga - $47,320 for Operations and Safety
Purchase of air packs and new turnout gear. "They currently have no air packs and their turnout gear is older gear that has been given to them by other volunteer fire departments. This will be very helpful," said Joe Long of the Marble Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Funds awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Only the applications most closely conforming to program priorities are considered and scored by peer review panels.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.