Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated Upper Cane Creek Fire Department today for receiving a $72,936 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, money Rogers said would help the Cleburne County unit purchase new safety equipment.

“The men and women of Upper Cane Creek Fire Department are citizens’ first line of defense,” Rogers said. “This grant will provide direct support for their work, and ultimately help make Cleburne County a safer place to live.”

The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, a key component of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides funds for training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

Rogers said that last year Upper Cane Creek also received $125,100 to help purchase a new fire truck. “I would also like to thank state Senator Gerald Dial and state Representative Richard Lindsey for their assistance with this project,” Rogers added.

Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funds to the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of fire department operations, improve fire fighter health and safety programs, purchase new equipment, enhance EMS programs, and support prevention and safety programs.