Published: January 23, 2008 11:20 pm      

Pickering announces $160K for firefighters

Jeff Davis, Smith, Newton, Lauderdale County first responders receive grants

U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering announced Wednesday that four Homeland Security Operations and Safety Grants for first responders are headed to Lauderdale, Jefferson Davis, Smith, and Newton counties.

Pickering said: “When these volunteer firefighters respond to a crisis, they put their health and lives on the line in service of their community. These first responders need the training and resources to effectively meet their challenges in the safest way.” Pickering said the grants are from round 25 of the competitive FY 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters program. Receiving grants are:

• Southeast Fire District – Lauderdale County - $61,028. Previously announced grants for Lauderdale County include Russell Volunteer Fire and Rescue ($4,733) in July; a vehicle acquisition grant for Long Creek VFD ($123,500) in August; another vehicle acquisition grant for Bailey VFD ($118,750) in September; and in November for South VFD ($24,026).

• House Volunteer Fire Department – Newton County - $38,772. Previously announced grants for Newton County include Union Fire Department ($38,000) and Beulah Hubbard VFD ($29,830) in July, Chunky VFD ($14,902) in September, and Gibbstown-Lawrence FVD ($22,800) in December.

• Goodhope Volunteer Fire Department – Jeff Davis County - $26,860

• Raleigh Volunteer Fire Department – Smith County - $34,200. A previously announced grant for Smith County was Mize Volunteer Fire Department ($47,500) on January 2.

The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program Grant provides funds for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness and modifications to fire stations and facilities. The funds are from the fiscal year 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The program seeks to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. The program also seeks to enhance the ability to protect the health and safety of the public as well as the first-responder personnel.

Since the program began four years ago, Pickering has announced more than 160 grants to Mississippi fire departments for nearly $12 million from this program, with an additional 27 grants for more than $1.5 million in fiscal year 2007. A complete list of applications, financial information and fire department data is available at www.firegrantsupport.com for each state. Fire departments with questions can reach the fire grants help desk at firegrants@dhs.gov or call toll free 1-866-274-0960.