WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) announced that federal fire grants have been awarded to the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department, East Chilton Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Homewood Fire Department, and Mt. Olive Fire and Rescue Service in the 6th District.
“Firefighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property. 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.
Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department - $9500
Operations and Safety Grant to purchase thermal imaging camera for use during structural fires
Chief Shane Layfield said, “This equipment will allow us to do search and rescue during structural fires, and it will also detect hot coals to prevent the rekindling of a fire. This is a great safety benefit for our firefighters. This is the first time we have applied for a grant, and we thank Congressman Bachus for his assistance.”
East Chilton Volunteer Fire & Rescue - $44,754
Operations and Safety Grant for the purchase of communications equipment including five mobile radios, two mobile repeaters, and 15 portable radios
Assistant Chief Dan Wright said, “This communications equipment will help us greatly during our everyday operations and, of course, in emergency situations. We feel that this is one of the best programs available because citizens are really benefiting first hand from this funding. We appreciate the support of Congressman Bachus in helping our department and others like it in rural areas serve our community in times of emergency.”
Homewood Fire Department - $3,510
Operations and Safety Grant for the purchase of firefighter turnout gear including helmets and gloves
Chief John Bresnan said, “This gear will afford a higher level of protection to our firefighters. We are delighted to receive the grant. This program really benefits firefighters, and we thank Congressman Bachus for his continued support of our department and the fire grant program.
Mt. Olive Fire and Rescue Service - $14,592
Operations and Safety Grant for the purchase of updated training materials for the department’s library, including new training books, equipment manuals, and videos
Chief Marley Perkins said, “These materials will help us to provide the latest in training to our firefighters, allowing our department to provide even greater service to the community. We will be able to update the books, manuals, and instructional videos in our department library. We appreciate Congressman Bachus’ support of the Mt. Olive Fire and Rescue Service and the fire grant program.”
Funds awarded under the Assistance to 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.