Press Release

March 2, 2005

$200,700 Federal Grant for Newton-Baker Fire and Rescue

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Sanford Bishop announced today that a $200,700 Assistance to Firefighters Grant has been awarded to Newton-Baker Fire and Rescue by the Department of Homeland Security.

“I am very pleased to be able to announce that these funds will go towards the much needed purchase of a new firefighting vehicle for Baker County,” said Congressman Bishop.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Bishop helped fund the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for fiscal year 2004, providing $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters to improve firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States. 

“It’s a successful program, and it’s been crucial in funding small localities in Southwest Georgia who are often the first and only responders in emergency situations. The importance of these funds are elevated in light of the scarcity of federal dollars in recent years due to budget cuts, the war on terror, and other economic factors,” noted Congressman Bishop. 

“Communities like Newton serve our emergency needs each and every day, and we’re doing our best to ensure that they have the funds and the resources to do their job.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is administered by the Department's Office for Domestic Preparedness in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration.

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