WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) announced that the Vestavia Hills Fire Department has been awarded a federal fire grant in the amount of $103,975.
"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. The Vestavia Hills Fire Department is to be commended for qualifying for this funding," Bachus said.
Bachus announced the following grant.
Vestavia Hills Fire Department - $103,975
Operations and Safety Grant for new exhaust systems for fire trucks to reduce pollution and limit diesel fumes in engine cabs, and for an intercom system to improve communication between engines and protect hearing
Chief Butch Zaragoza said, "We certainly appreciate this grant and the support it will provide. This money will benefit our department greatly and increase the safety of our personnel."
Funds awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) 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.