WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today announced that the Ashville Fire Department in St. Clair County has been awarded a federal fire grant in the amount of $265,965.
"Firefighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property. This program provides funding for growing communities to hire new firefighters. The Ashville Fire District provides outstanding service to the community, and this will help maintain that high standard," Bachus said.
Bachus announced the following grant.
Ashville Fire Department - $265,965
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant that will be used to hire three additional full-time firefighters.
Chief Mike Barry said, "This grant will allow us to increase the number of personnel in our fire department and increase the level of safety in our community. I would like to thank Congressman Bachus for his continued support of this program, which keeps us ready to respond to fire calls and rescue emergencies."
The goal of the SAFER grant program is to enhance the ability of fire departments to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The grant runs for five years, starting with a large federal share followed by an increasing local share in subsequent years.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.