Congressman Kurt Schrader has announced that the Woodburn Fire district will receive a grant in the amount of $86,391. The grant is available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Operations and Safety program.

“Grants through the Operations and Safety program allow our first responders to acquire the equipment and training they need to continue to provide our community with vital services,” said Schrader. “This funding will allow the Woodburn Fire District to purchase two full sets of extrication tools that will assist them in providing rescue services and will also help the department fund firefighter wellness training.”

“The extrication equipment funds will allow us to replace aging extrication equipment which constantly needs to be repaired,” said Woodburn Fire Chief Paul Iverson. “It is extremely important that equipment works perfectly when we need to use it especially in emergency situations. Extricating patient out of motor vehicles needs to be done rapidly and safely to ensure the best outcome for the patient. This equipment will help us achieve those ends.”

In 2009 the state of Oregon received 34 individual grants totaling $3,505,779 though the Operations and Safety Program administered by the DHS. Grants through DHS fire programs are awarded to fire departments across the country to provide additional funding for training, code enforcement, construction, and building modifications.