Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the men and women of the Kellyton Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Goodwater Fire and Ambulance today for receiving grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, funding Rogers said would help the Coosa County fire departments purchase new firefighting operations and safety equipment and vehicles.

“Coosa County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of these fire departments for receiving these grants, and hope they will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.”

Rogers said Kellyton Volunteer Fire and Rescue should receive a $190,000 grant to purchase a new firefighting vehicle and Goodwater Fire and Ambulance should receive a $91,105 grant to purchase new firefighting operations and safety equipment.

These grants should be awarded under the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation.

According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the program is to award funding directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.

Rogers is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress. “I am pleased to see the Federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District,” he added.
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