WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the men and women of the West Chambers Fire Department and Fredonia Fire and Rescue Volunteer Company today for receiving grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, funding Rogers said would help the Chambers County fire departments purchase new firefighting operations and safety equipment and a firefighting vehicle.

“Chambers County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of these fire departments for receiving these grants, and hope they will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.”

Rogers said the Fredonia Fire and Rescue Volunteer Company should receive $60,942 in funding to help purchase operations and safety equipment and the West Chambers Fire and Rescue should receive $215,270 in funding to help purchase a new firefighting vehicle.

Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation.  According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the program is to award funding directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.

Rogers is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress. “I am pleased to see the Federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District,” he added.
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