WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded two grants totaling $1,287,860 to Iowa fire departments. The funds are through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

            “As our community’s first responders, Iowans want our firefighters to be properly trained and adequately staffed,” Grassley said. “This funding will help recruit and retain firefighters to keep our communities secure.”

            This funding is part of round 6 of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. Funds under this program support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters to assure that communities have adequate protection  from fire and fire-related hazards.

            The Department of Homeland Security will distribute the funds as shown below.

v    Altoona Fire Department – $975,420

v    Davenport Fire Department – $312,440