Fire Operations and Fire Safety grants have been awarded to Anthon, Bernard, Boone, Calamus, Castalia, Douds, Estherville, Fort Atkinson, Holland, Lake Mills, Morning Sun, Sioux Rapids, Tipton, Troy Mills and Wever. These funds can be used to train firefighting personnel, establish wellness and fitness programs for firefighters, and purchase firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.
The communities of LeGrand and Middle have been awarded Firefighting Vehicles Grants. These funds will be used to purchase new firefighting vehicles for these communities.
Iowa City has been awarded a Fire Prevention Grant to support public education, public awareness, code enforcement and arson prevention.
"We need to make sure that the local citizens who are on the frontlines of community safety efforts are properly equipped and have the appropriate training," Grassley said. "The importance of first responders such as firefighters has really come to light in the year since Sept. 11. These grants will provide needed support to the local fire departments that help ensure that our communities are prepared to deal with disasters."
The Anthon Fire/Rescue Department will receive a grant in the amount of $33,750, Bernard Fire Department will receive $53,247, Boone Fire Department will receive $55,080 and Calamus Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $12,573 grant.
The Castalia Community Fire Service will receive a $9,720 grant, Douds Community Fire Department will receive $34,510, Estherville Fire and Rescue will receive $65,610 and Fort Atkinson Fire Department will receive $38,276.
The Holland Fire Department will receive $67,500, Lake Mills Fire Department will receive $31,947, Morning Sun Fire Department will receive $9,680 and Sioux Rapids Fire Department will receive a $29,744 grant.
The Tipton Fire Department will receive $61,770, Troy Mills Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $32,400 grant and Wever Fire and Rescue will receive $21,056.
The LeGrand Fire Department will receive $135,000 and Amana Benefitted Fire District with headquarters in Middle will receive $88,980 for new vehicles.
The Iowa City Fire Department will receive $35,188 for fire prevention efforts.
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 is the fifth round of Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded this year.