WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced $792,059 in grants has been awarded to three Montana fire departments through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal and Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The funds will provide for staffing, equipment, training, and operational expenses to departments in Custer County, Bozeman, and Whitefish.

“Our local firefighters work tirelessly to protect their communities,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Congressional Fire Caucus.  “These grants will help our local fire departments enhance staffing and upgrade their equipment and training, which helps to better ensure for the safety of the firefighters and the community.”

FEMA administers grant programs to local fire departments and emergency medical organizations to improve their first response capabilities. In fiscal year 2008, Congress will have provided for approximately $750 million in federal assistance nationally to fire departments and emergency service organizations.  

FEMA awarded $21 million in the latest round of grant disbursements, from which three Montana fire departments were awarded funding:

·  CUSTER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT - $125,320 for operations and safety purposes

·  FORT ELLIS FIRE SERVICE AREA (BOZEMAN) - $16,459 for operations and safety purposes

·   WHITEFISH CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT - $650,280 for staffing purposes

“This’ll help us out big time,” said Custer County Fire Chief Bud Peterson.  “We’re a relatively new fire department and this money will help us purchase radios, tools, hoses and other equipment.”

“It’s critical we ensure our nation’s first responders have the necessary resources to provide for the safety of our communities,” Rehberg said.  “Even during a slowing economy, we must continue to invest in improvements for those who put their lives on the line to protect us.”