WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $450,000 in grants were awarded to seven Kansas fire departments to improve homeland security.

Senator Roberts said, "I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments."

• Cullison Fire Department: $93,575 for Vehicle Acquisition
• Marshall County Rural Fire District No. 9 in Frankfort: $80,465 for Operations and Safety
• Sheridan County Fire District #1 in Hoxie: $33,250 for Operations and Safety
• Saline County RFD #3: $33,250 for Operations and Safety
• Severn Township Fire District in Westmoreland: $85,025 for Vehicle Acquisition
• City of Merriam, Kansas Fire Department: $32,372 for Operations and Safety
• Mulvane Emergency Services: $105,822 for Operations and Safety

The funds were awarded by the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.