Washington, D.C.  -  U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers congratulated Crawford Volunteer Fire Department today for receiving a $21,492 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The men and women of the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department are citizens’ first line of defense,” Rogers said. “This grant will provide direct support for their work, and ultimately make Russell County a safer place to live.”

The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, a key component of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides funds for training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

“I would also like to thank state representative Lesley Vance for his assistance with this project,” Rogers added.

Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funds to the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of fire department operations, improve fire fighter health and safety programs, purchase new equipment, enhance EMS programs, and support prevention and safety programs.