Rural Development has approved a grant of $9,000 for volunteer fire department.

Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott, and Congressman Chip Pickering, announce a USDA Rural Development grant of $9,000 to benefit the East Covington County Volunteer Fire Department.

Senator Thad Cochran said, "I am pleased that this volunteer fire department will receive these funds which will help meet their needs as they serve the Covington County area."

"These volunteers help keep the Covington County community safe," Senator Trent Lott said. He continued, "This funding will assist them in purchasing the equipment they need to accomplish their work."

"Those in the volunteer fire department risk their lives for their neighbors. They are our first responders and it is important they have the funds to purchase equipment necessary to conduct their work efficiently and safely," Congressman Pickering said in announcing the federal grant.

The Rural Development funds will be used in by the East Covington Volunteer Fire Department to assist in the purchase of fire fighting equipment. The grant will be used to improve the quality of life for Covington County residents.