WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $71,500 grant to the Council Bluffs Fire Department from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s Fire Prevention Program.
The fire department will use the funds to purchase dual sensor smoke detectors, hearing impaired smoke detectors, and public education materials for use in a smoke detector campaign.
“This program should help enhance public knowledge of safe fire practices and help increase community safety,” Grassley said.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards.
Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government. The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.