WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the men and women of the Buttston Volunteer Fire Department today for receiving a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, funding Rogers said would help the Tallapoosa County fire department purchase new firefighting and safety equipment.

“Tallapoosa County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of the Buttston Volunteer Fire Department for receiving this grant, and hope it will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.”

Rogers said the Buttston Volunteer Fire Department should receive a $14,084 grant that should help purchase new firefighting operations and safety equipment.

Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the purpose of this program is to award funding directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.

Rogers is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress. “I am pleased to see the Federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District,” he added.

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