Washington, DC (October 12, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded local firefighting and first responder agencies with Operations and Safety and Vehicle Acquisition Grants. 

The following Fire Departments received grants:

• Odem Volunteer Fire Department, $10,450, Operations and Safety Grant
• Bluebonnet Volunteer Fire Department, $23,967, Operations and Safety Grant
• Waelder Volunteer Fire Department, $201, 400, Vehicle Acquisition Grant

These Operations and Firefighter Safety Program grants may be used for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation’s firefighters and the services they deliver.  For the 2004 program, $750 million was made available in direct assistance to firefighters to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the country.  The Department’s Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

“Guaranteeing that our first responders have the training, equipment and resources they need to protect our communities is an integral part of overall preparedness,” said Hinojosa.  “Our police and fire departments are integral parts to a community’s ability to respond to a disaster effectively and efficiently. Ensuring that they have the resources to help during times of national crisis, as well as their day-to-day duties, is of the utmost importance.”

Applicants for grants had to demonstrate financial need and articulate the benefits to be derived from the grant funds in their applications.  The grants are intended to supplement a fire department’s current budget rather than supplant it.