U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN ANNOUNCES $118,853 FOR SOMERSET FIRE DEPARTMENT

Contact: Michael Mershon
(202) 225-6101

September 28, 2005

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern today announced that the Somerset Fire Department has been awarded $118,853 in Operations and Firefighter Safety funding under the 2005 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program.

The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program grants are awarded to fire departments that are recognized specifically for their experience and expertise in fire prevention or safety programs and activities. The Program includes training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

"I'm very pleased that Somerset will be receiving this funding," Rep. McGovern said. "I believe that homeland security starts with hometown security. These departments are being properly recognized for their outstanding work. It's critical that we provide local first responders with the resources they need to protect our communities. The federal government must be a partner in that effort. I will continue to be a strong supporter of this Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, and I'll work to maintain its funding in Congress."

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. More information can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com.