WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) announced that Northport Fire and Rescue in Tuscaloosa County and the Rocky Ridge Fire District in Jefferson County in the 6th District 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," Bachus said.
Bachus announced the following grants.
Northport Fire and Rescue - $97,200
Operations and Safety Grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus that conform with new standards.
"I am proud for the city. This goes a long way towards protecting the safety of Northport Firefighters," said Chief Daryl Patterson of Northport Fire and Rescue.
Rocky Ridge Fire District - $20,957
Operations and Safety Grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus, along with a compressor cascade and filling station.
"This will allow us to fill our air tanks at the firehouse so we are ready to all times to respond to fires with the proper breathing protection for our firefighters," said Captain Michael Bartlett of the Rocky Ridge Fire District.
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.