Assistance to Firefighter Grants have been awarded to fire departments in Adel, Battle Creek, Cedar Rapids, Creston, De Soto, Guthrie Center, Larchwood, Maquoketa, Mondamin, Oelwein, Postville, Raymond, Sac City and West Bend.
Creston Fire Department received an award through the Firefighting Vehicles program. The 13 other communities received the funds through the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program, which supports training of firefighting personnel, establishing wellness and fitness programs for firefighters, and purchasing firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.
"It is important that we support the local citizens who are on the frontlines of community safety efforts," Grassley said. "This funding will help make our communities safer by providing needed resources to Iowa's first responders."
The amount awarded to each community is listed here:
| Adel Volunteer Fire and Rescue | $31,243 |
| Battle Creek Hose Company #1 | $13,526 |
| Cedar Rapids Fire Department | $87,764 |
| Creston Fire Department | $130,410 |
| De Soto Fire & Rescue | $21,564 |
| Guthrie Center Fire Department | $63,749 |
| Larchwood Fire Department | $4,928 |
| Maquoketa Fire Department | $48,969 |
| Mondamin Fire and Rescue | $19,143 |
| Oelwein Fire Department | $77,850 |
| Postville Fire Department | $89,511 |
| Raymond Fire Department | $62,616 |
| Sac City Volunteer Fire Department | $14,850 |
| West Bend Fire Department | $19,891 |
Grassley said that FEMA received more than 19,500 applications and is in the process of awarding 5,500 grants. The awards represent a $360 million investment to the enhancement of local fire and emergency medical services. This funding is part of the 12th round of 2002 Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded to communities across the country.