WASHINGTON- Congressman Spencer Bachus announced that Morris Fire and Rescue in Jefferson County, Calera Fire Department in Shelby County, and South Chilton Fire and Rescue in Chilton County have been awarded federal fire grants.
“Firefighters 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,” said Bachus.
Bachus announced the following grants:
Morris Fire and Rescue -- $215,650 for the purchase of a new fire truck
Chief Charlie Robertson said, “This will be our number one engine responding to fire, wreck, and medical calls for Morris and the surrounding communities.”
Calera Fire Department - $50,194 for annual medical physical evaluations and fitness
equipment
Deputy Chief Pat Draper said, “A good wellness and fitness program is proven in
contributing towards the goal of keeping the health status of firefighters in
positive check.”
South Chilton Fire and Rescue -- $42,750 for purchase of an air filling station and thermal imaging camera
Chief Jason Davis said, “Receiving this grant will greatly benefit our department. Having basic equipment for firefighters to use improves our overall response in the community as well as assisting our neighboring departments.”
Funds awarded under the Assistance for Firefighters Grant program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated 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.