Press Release

September 28, 2005

Federal Fire Grants Approved for Terrell County and Americus Fire Departments

 WASHINGTON, D.C. This afternoon, Congressman Sanford Bishop announced that eight Georgia communities will receive firefighting grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance their abilities to respond to emergencies, including the Terrell County Fire Department and Americus Fire and Emergency Services.

 $228, 000 has been awarded to Terrell County for the acquisition of a new firefighting vehicle.  $71,535 will go to Americus Fire and Emergency Services as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Operations and Safety program.

 “The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program has been crucial in funding small localities in Southwest Georgia who are often the first and only responders in emergency situations. The importance of these funds is elevated in light of the scarcity of federal dollars in recent years,” noted Congressman Bishop. “Communities like Terrell County and the City of Americus serve our emergency needs each and every day, and we’re doing our best to ensure that they have the funds and the resources to do their job.”

 The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is administered by the Department's Office for Domestic Preparedness in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration.

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