U.S. Representative Artur Davis (D-Birmingham) announced grants for the Bessemer Fire Department and the West Bend/Bethel Volunteer Fire Department.  The departments received Firefighters Grants offered by the Department of Homeland Security totaling more than $300 thousand combined.

The Bessemer Fire Department received $258,525, while the West Bend/Bethel Volunteer Fire Department received $54,292.  Grants for both fire departments will be used for Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs which include training, fire extinguishing equipment, personal protective equipment, individual wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

“I strongly support strengthening our homeland security infrastructure and its preexisting capabilities,” Davis said. “These grants will play a pivotal role in further equipping firefighters who selflessly protect citizens in their communities, especially in small communities throughout the state.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters and the services they deliver. For the

2004 program, Congress appropriated $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters. In 2004, Davis helped secure $1.9 million in grants for fire departments in the 7^th district.