WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded five competitive grants totaling $350,321 to Iowa fire departments through the Operations and Safety Program.
"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day for the good of the community," Grassley said. "It's important that firefighters have the necessary equipment and training to help keep the community safe."
FEMA will distribute the funds as shown below.
· Olin Fire Department will receive $97,565.
· Ladora Volunteer Fire Department will receive $80,921.
· Chester Fire Department will receive $74,089.
· Fenton Fire Department will receive $7,648.
· Agency Fire Department will receive $90,098.
The Operations and Safety Program supplements training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.
The funding is part of round 40 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.