Washington, D.C., Nov 23, 2005 -

U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) today announced that the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners, on behalf of the Hernando County Fire Rescue District, has been awarded federal funding as part of a national grant program to help the nation’s fire service community (round 13). 

The Hernando County Fire Rescue District of Brooksville has been awarded $336,651 in federal funds under the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program.  This program includes training, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

“These federal funds will ensure that our firefighters are equipped with the newest equipment and the finest training available,” said Rep. Brown-Waite.  “Being prepared at a moment’s notice requires long hours of preparation and a significant investment in new equipment.  Firefighters like those in Brooksville perform the ultimate public service, and I am delighted that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has selected the Hernando County Fire Rescue District to receive these vital funds.  I know that Hernando County residents will be safer and more secure in their homes and businesses.”

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.  The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters and the services they deliver, with more than 20,000 fire departments submitting applications this year.  For the 2005 program, Congress appropriated, and President Bush signed into law, $650 million in direct assistance to firefighters to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States.  Qualifying fire departments will be notified in several rounds.