News

November 12, 2008

harkin announces over $1.65 million in firefighting funds across iowa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of his ongoing effort to support Iowa's first responders, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that fire departments across the state received $1,650,342 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Iowa firefighters are brave public servants who help protect our families when disaster strikes,” Harkin said. “These grants will provide firefighters with the resources they need to effectively respond to emergencies and keep Iowans safe.”

The AFG Program helps Iowa communities purchase firefighting equipment, improve facilities, and implement health and wellness programs. Fire departments can submit proposals to receive funds for new fire trucks, hoses, protective equipment, rescue vehicles, and training for emergency personnel.

Although AFG Program assists rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States, it places a particular emphasis on rural fire departments. At least 55 percent of the program’s funding must go to fire departments that use volunteer firefighters. This means that smaller towns are not competing against cities like Des Moines. Additionally, the program allows smaller communities to contribute less in local funding. In today's economy, this makes it possible for small fire departments to take advantage of the program.

Specifics of the grants are below:

Washta Fire Service, $63,717 for operations and safety

Lowden Fire Department, $209,333 for vehicle acquisition

Cherokee Fire Department, $219,643 for vehicle acquisition

Andover Volunteer Fire Department, $141,287 for operations and safety

Cedar Falls Fire Rescue, $20,340 for operations and safety

Garrison Fire Department, $13,490 for operations and safety

Drakesville Volunteer Fire Department, $54150 for vehicle acquisition

Armstrong Benefitted Fire Department, $121,315 for vehicle acquisition

McCallsburg-Warren Township Fire/EMS Agency, $15,357 for operations and safety

Latimer-Rural Fire Department – District #1, $30,009 for operations and safety

Ringsted Benefited Fire Department, $225,150 for operations and safety

City of Fort Dodge Fire Department, $82,301 for operations and safety

Dewitt Volunteer Fire Department, $30,896 for operations and safety

Oakville Volunteer Fire Department, $20,392 for operations and safety

Key West Fire Department, $17,461 for operations and safety

Agency Volunteer Fire and Rescue, $210,140 for vehicle acquisition

Kimballton Fire Department, $91,257 for operations and safety

Wapello Volunteer Fire Department, $25,983 for operations and safety

Milton Fire Department, $28,708 for operations and safety

Princeton Volunteer Fire Department, $18,668 for operations and safety

West Union Fire Department, $10,745 for operations and safety