STRONG – The Strong Fire Department has received a grant of $29,700 from the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The award, part of $750 million being distributed to more than 7,000 fire departments this year, will be used by the department to buy portable radios and personal protective equipment.

“Firefighters play a key role in safeguarding America, and these fire grant funds provide first responders with the resources necessary to protect our communities from all hazards,” said Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “I join President Bush and Secretary Ridge in applauding our nation’s firefighters and share their commitment to ensuring that first responders have the proper equipment, resources, training and support to fulfill their responsibilities.”

The grant program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of FEMA, and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs and fire prevention and safety programs in local departments.

“In this nation, far too many individuals lose their lives or are injured by fire. Among these victims are firefighters, who provide emergency response services to their fellow residents,” said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. “The nation’s firefighters and American homes are safer today through this important grant program.”

For more information on the grant program or the USFA, contact Tom Olshanski at (301) 447-1853 or [email protected].