Las Vegas, NV – Senator John Ensign announced today that the City of Mesquite Fire and Rescue will receive $1,242,000 for hiring firefighters. The funding will be provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s SAFER program.

“Mesquite’s population is booming, and it is critical that the fire department keep up with that growth,” said Ensign. “This funding will go a long way in protecting Mesquite’s residents from the threat of fire and other emergencies.”

SAFER provides grants to local fire departments with matching requirements that increase over time. The funding has been allocated for the hiring efforts needed by the City of Mesquite Fire and Rescue.

“Our firefighters stand on the front lines, ready to serve and protect our families,” Ensign said. “They respond to emergencies in our homes, in our neighborhoods and in our businesses. Thanks to this funding, Mesquite can now hire the additional firefighters necessary to keep its citizens safe.”

Fire departments must be volunteer staff, or a combination of volunteer and full-time staff, to qualify for SAFER funding. In Fiscal Year 2006, the Department of Homeland Security will award approximately $103 million directly to fire departments and volunteer interest groups to expand the number of firefighters available.