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Contact: Ed McDonald
202.225.3065
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TWO FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE GRANTS FOR HIRING AND NEW PUMPER TANKER PURCHASE CONGRESSMAN COBLE ANNOUNCES
Washington,
Dec 13, 2006 -
Two fire departments in the 6th District will receive federal grants to hire additional personnel and purchase a new pumper tanker, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) announced today. Congressman Coble said that fire departments in Julian and Asheboro have qualified for grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Rep. Coble said the Julian Volunteer Fire Department will receive a DHS grant of $285,000, which will be used to purchase a brand new, state-of-the-art pumper tanker. The new vehicle, which is expected to arrive sometime in 2007, will replace one that is 26 years old. The new pumper is expected to cost more than $300,000. The Julian Volunteer Fire Department’s service area covers more than 2,500 residences in an 18-square-mile region.
The Asheboro Fire Department will receive a DHS grant of $310,500, Rep. Coble announced. The funds will be used to hire three new firefighters and pay for their salaries during the next four-to-five years. The Asheboro Fire Department currently has 47 employees and the new staff members will allow the department to stay in compliance with federal safety and workforce requirements.
Congressman Coble said that both DHS grants are welcomed news. “The Asheboro and Julian areas are growing,” Rep. Coble noted, “and that has placed additional burdens on the fire departments that serve homes and businesses there. These DHS grants will allow our first responders to have the personnel and equipment they need to continue their outstanding records of service to their respective communities.”
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