Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL) congratulated Russell County today for receiving a total of $156,499.05 in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, funding Rogers said would help purchase new operations and safety equipment.

            “Russell County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of Russell County and the Seale Volunteer Fire Department for receiving these grants and hope it will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens. I am pleased to see the federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District.”

            Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2020 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, nonaffiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies. 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 serves as Lead Republican on the House Armed Services Committee in Congress.