WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the men and women of Bethel East Volunteer Fire Department today for receiving a $26,125 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, funding Rogers said would help the Randolph County fire department purchase new firefighting operations and safety equipment.

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

Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation.

According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the 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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