“This is wonderful news for rural residents of Dallas, Union, and Lafayette Counties,” Ross said.  “For people living in these areas, firefighters serve as first responders to a number of emergencies in addition to fires.  These volunteers put their lives on the line, these grants will help to make sure that they are working with the best equipment and training possible.”  

The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program includes funding for training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.  Departments in the Fourth District receiving grant awards for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety are as follows: 

Manning Rural Volunteer Fire Department (Sparkman) - $37,170 
Junction City Volunteer Fire Department - $15,633 
Mars Hill (Stamps) - $14,094 

This is the fifth round of notifications for the 2003 program.  Further notifications are expected on a weekly basis for the next few months.