WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded grants totaling $267,596 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 FEMA, the awards were made as follows:

• Dike Fire Department - $56,810

• Preston Volunteer Fire Department - $105,241

• Sherrill Fire Protection Association - $24,700

• Sidney Volunteer Fire and Rescue - $80,845

The funding is part of round 20 of the federal grants awarded from this program for fiscal 2008. The goal of the program 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.