Contact: Rob Ostrander 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Saturday, May 1, 2004

WEST PLAINS, MO – Speaking today before the 50th Annual Missouri Fire Fighter Association's convention in West Plains, Senator Kit Bond pledged to continue his fight to ensure that Missouri's first responders receive the funding they need to protect local communities.

"Over the last several years, I have been committed to ensuring that the federal government meets its responsibilities to fire-fighters. We need to help you meet your local mission and provide funding and training so you can fulfill your new role as first responders if the terrorists strike again here at home," said Senator Bond.

In 2002, Bond met with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Missouri Task Force One and local fire departments across the state of Missouri to discuss their funding needs. Bond assured emergency responders that through his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee he would work to boost their federal funding.

Bond began his charge to increase funding for fire departments in fiscal year 2001, when he included $100 million for the Assistance to Fire Grant program. As Chairman of the VA-HUD Subcommittee, Bond has included over $1.2 billion in funding for the fire grants program from fiscal year 2001 through 2003. During this time, Missouri fire departments have received $32.9 million in fire grant funds. Bond expects more federal dollars for Missouri departments in fiscal year 2004.

Bond stressed that although the fire grants program has been successful, more needs to be done for our nation's first responders. Bond has met with fire-fighters across the state and has seen first-hand how many fire departments remain under-staffed, under-trained and under-equipped. These problems are compounded by the need to meet added responsibilities due to threats from terrorism. For volunteer fire departments the situation is even worse, with many lacking the funds, equipment and training to meet even traditional local firefighting emergencies.

"We are going to get you the tools, training and funding you need. A lack of funding should never make the difference between life or death for a fire-fighter or a victim," concluded Bond. "Supporting your mission is my mission. We are all in this together."