FEMA To Present $51,345 Fire Grant To The Ruth Volunteer Fire Department
Release Date: June 25, 2003
Release Number: R4-03-80
Birmingham, AL -- The Ruth Volunteer Fire Department in Marshall County will receive formal notification of a $51,345 fire grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enhance fire operations and firefighter safety. The ceremony will open a regularly scheduled training session on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. at 3075 Mat Morrow Road outside Arab.
The grant will be used to purchase 10 new self-contained breathing apparatus packs and bottles designed to protect firefighters in hazardous and/or oxygen-deficient environments. The lightweight packs, which will replace obsolete equipment, will permit the volunteer firefighters greater maneuverability in difficult situations and significantly increase their safety.
Vicki Murphy, a fire program specialist in FEMA's Region IV headquarters office in Atlanta, will make the presentation to department officials.
The U. S. Department of Homeland Security, of which FEMA is now a part, has been highlighting the importance of first responders through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. These grants are awarded to fire departments to fund firefighting vehicles, emergency medical services or fire prevention programs, or operational activities such as firefighting equipment, health and wellness programs, and training. Funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program has enhanced the operational capabilities for firefighters and other emergency personnel.
"These grants serve as a prime example of how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security assists Alabama and other states to place key resources directly into neighborhoods and communities to better protect and secure our nation," said Murphy. "The prompt and experienced efforts of local first responders not only provide the critical intervention for daily emergencies, they are a vital part of the team effort when FEMA provides comfort and aid to victims of disasters. Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in this line of first response. All firefighters and rescue squads have earned our respect and thanks."
FEMA has awarded 335 grants in the past two weeks with Alabama communities receiving 14 fire grants totaling $1.2 million. Through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, 259 grants totaling $15.6 million have been awarded to Alabama recipients in 2001 and 2002.
Invited participants in Thursday's grant presentation include: Arab Mayor Lee Cox, Marshal County Emergency Management Director Julie Brown, Arab Emergency Management Director Jonathon Medlock, Marshall County Sheriff Mac Holcomb, Ruth Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Rodney Willis, Arab Fire Chief Tom Prestridge, Arab Police Chief Mike Blackwood and city commissioners.
Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Jun-2003 09:24:24