WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded grants totaling $601,266 to eight communities in Iowa through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

            “The storms Iowans saw last summer show just how important first responders are to local safety,” Grassley said. “This money will help make sure these fire departments have the equipment and personnel necessary to keep the community safe.”

Five communities received funds through the Operations and Safety Program. The Operations and Safety Program helps provide to fire departments training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. The funds were distributed as shown below.

v  Charter Oak Fire Department- $11,766

v  Colesburg Fire Department- $35,574

v  Denver Volunteer Fire Department- $13,174

v  Forest City Fire Fighter’s Association, Inc.- $28,639

v  Newhall Volunteer Fire Department- $17,723

Three communities received funds through the Vehicle Acquisition Program.  These funds can be used to purchase pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats. The funds were distributed as shown below.

v  Chester Fire Department- $180,232

v  Magnolia Fire and Rescue Association- $153,163

v  Swea City Fire Department- $160,455

This funding is part of round 13 of the fiscal 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awards.  The federal program distributes funds to local fire departments to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs.

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