Press Release

BUCHANAN ANNOUNCES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HARDEE AND MANATEE FIRST RESPONDERS

Washington, DC -- Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL 13) announced today that the Federal Department of Emergency Management (FEMA) has awarded $47,491 in federal funding for equipment and training for first responders in Hardee and Manatee counties.  The Hardee County Sheriff’s Department, Manatee County Sheriff’s Department and Manatee County Port Authority are among the first responders in smaller communities to receive federal funding under FEMA’s fiscal year 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program.      

“We rely on our first responders to save lives and protect property,” said Buchanan.  “This funding will help ensure that they are prepared, equipped, and trained for any situation.  This was a competitive process.  I congratulate these agencies for submitting successful applications.”

The CEDAP provides specialized commercial equipment and related training directly to smaller jurisdictions.  A total of 3,709 applications were submitted and 1,853 grants were awarded, including the following in Florida’s 13th Congressional District:

• $11,500.00 to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office in Wauchula for XOA Series Portable Video surveillance System;
• $32,274.90 to the Manatee County Port Authority in Palmetto for a HLS-Cam Training, Certification and Vulnerability Assessment Kit; and
• $3,717.00 to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for a Rugged Night Vision Security Kit.