WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award five grants totaling $518,225 to Iowa fire departments.
The Department of Homeland Security will distribute the money as shown below.
• Bronson Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., will receive $36,480 through the Operations and Safety Program to purchase equipment.
• Griswold Fire Department will receive $209,095 through the Vehicle Acquisition Program to purchase a tanker and fund training.
• Morning Sun Fire Department will receive $38,000 through the Operations and Safety Program to purchase protective clothing and a dryer for firefighting gear and hoses.
• Reading-Cedar Fire Department in Farnhamville will receive $8,550 through the Operations and Safety Program to purchase a thermal imaging device.
• Shenandoah Fire Department will receive $226,100 through the Vehicle Acquisition Program to purchase a firefighting vehicle.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Operations and Safety Program provides funding for training, equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and the Vehicle Acquisition Program provides funding for various firefighting and rescue vehicles.
“In order to protect their communities, firefighters need the right training and equipment,” Grassley said. “These funds help make sure they have access to what they need.”
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.