FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 9, 2004
Contact:  Lindsay Law
(202) 225-3772
 

Ross Announces Change in Priority Status for Rural and Volunteer Fire Departments
 
(Washington, D.C.) United States Representative Mike Ross (D-AR) today announced rural and volunteer fire departments will be given high priority with other Defense programs when excess equipment from the Department of Defense is available. Volunteer and rural departments were previously given low priority for the allocation of this type of equipment. 

Language from Rep. Ross sponsored H.R. 1311, a bill that gives high priority status to rural and volunteer fire departments for excess equipment, was included in and passed in the House as part of the Fiscal Year 2005 Department of Defense (DoD) Authorization Bill.  Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) submitted the language of H.R. 1311 for inclusion within the DoD Authorization Bill.    

“I am very pleased to have this legislation included in the FY 2005 National Defense Authorization Act,” said Ross.  “Volunteer and rural fire departments have long served an important role in the national fire prevention and suppression infrastructure.  Unfortunately, many do not have the funds to purchase equipment and are often unable to obtain sufficient resources to do their jobs.” 

Representative Weldon echoed, “Having this legislation included in the FY 2005 National Defense Authorization Act is a huge victory for rural and volunteer firefighters.  Rural and urban firefighters are on the front lines everyday risking their lives for their communities at some of America’s most dangerous situations.  Oftentimes fire departments do not have the money or resources to effectively manage these complicated conditions.  Allowing firefighters who are volunteers as well as career the opportunity to have access to the Department of Defense’s excess property will better enable them to respond to their communities needs.”    

“These brave men and women risk their lives daily to serve their communities, and we must continue to do everything in our power to ensure they have the equipment they need and deserve, said Ross. With the help of Representative Weldon and the support of my colleagues, this much needed legislation will provide rural fire departments nationwide with the necessary resources to do their jobs.  This is a perfect example of how working in a bipartisan manner can and does get things accomplished in the Congress.”


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