WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded grants totaling $218,628 to four Iowa fire departments.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day for the good of the community," Grassley said. "It's important that those firefighters have the necessary equipment and training to help keep the community safe."

The grants are through the federal Operations and Safety Program, which supplements training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

            According to the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grants office, the awards were made as follows:

• Manly Volunteer Fire Department - $6,650

• Moorland Fire Department - $89,841

• Reading - Cedar Fire Department in Farnhamville - $29,495

• Schaller Fire Department - $92,642

The funding for these Iowa firefighters is part of round 18 of the federal grants awarded from this program for fiscal year 2008. The goal is to enhance the ability of local fire departments to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.