WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award five grants totaling $487,129 to Iowa fire departments through the Operations and Safety Program. The Operations and Safety Program is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program.
The Department of Homeland Security will distribute the money as shown below.
• Birmingham Volunteer Fire Department will receive $44,608 to purchase firefighting equipment and protective clothing
• Cedar Rapids Fire Department will receive $357,125 to purchase firefighting equipment and protective clothing, and update an exhaust system
• McCallsburg-Warren Township Fire/EMS Agency will receive $31,341 to purchase firefighting equipment
• Newhall Volunteer Fire Department will receive $38,893 to purchase firefighting equipment and fund training
• Pulaski Volunteer Fire Department will receive $15,162 to purchase tools and protective clothing
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operations and safety grant program provides funding for training, equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and the vehicle acquisition grant program provides funding for various firefighting and rescue vehicles.
“These grants will fund training and equipment that firefighters need to their job to the best of their ability,” Grassley said.
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.