The fire departments that will receive this funding are located in Bellevue, Cherokee, Colo, Crescent, Defiance, Kellerton, Moulton, Pacific Junction, Prescott, Rhodes, Stout and Swea City.
"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 since Sept. 11. These grants will provide needed funding to the local fire departments that help make our communities better prepared to deal with disasters."
All of these communities will receive Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety grants. 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 Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant in the amount of $61,901, the Cherokee Fire Department will receive $47,463, the Colo Fire Department will receive $64,191 and the Crescent Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $40,101 grant.
Defiance Fire and Rescue will receive a $101,078 grant, the Kellerton Volunteer Fire Department will receive $7,380, the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department will receive $32,310 and the Pacific Junction Fire Department will receive $244,734.
The Prescott Fire and Rescue Department will receive $36,891, the Rhodes Fire Department will receive $34,668, the Stout Community Volunteer Fire Department will receive $30,321 and the Swea City Fire Department will receive a $35,368 grant.
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 fourth round of Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded this year.