Washington,
Aug 30, 2007 -
Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) last Tuesday presented $37,156 in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant to a local fire department in the Tenth Congressional District.
The grant goes to the City of Lenoir Fire Department in Caldwell County, and comes in the fifth round of the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) section of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns and arson prevention and awareness programs. Local departments applied for the grants, and the program is administered by the Department’s Preparedness Directorate’s Office of Grants and Training.
“It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is certainly true when it comes to fire prevention,” stated Congressman McHenry. “These funds will allow the Lenoir Fire Department to enhance their capability to educate and protect our community from fires before they start.”
“The Lenoir Fire Department continues to thrive under the leadership of Chief Ken Briscoe. His innovative strategies and devotion to public safety are extraordinary, and the fact that he was recently named North Carolina’s Fireman of the Year shows that his peers think so as well,” the Congressman added.
This is the eighth FP&S grant to be awarded to a Tenth District fire department during this fiscal cycle. The Lenoir FD will use the funds to establish a program in local high schools called Students Assisting Fire Safety (SAFE). The program will train selected high school juniors and seniors in fire preparedness and safety, then utilize these students to educate senior citizens and younger children about fire safety through interactive presentations. This program will be unveiled during the Department’s “Safe Saturday” demonstration on October 13.
“This will be one of the first programs of this nature in the country,” commented Lenoir Fire Chief Ken Briscoe. “It has enormous potential and we are so thankful for Congressman McHenry’s leadership and assistance to the fire service.”
He added, “Congressman McHenry and I have worked together for the last three years to improve fire safety and prevention in Caldwell County. The Congressman has a sincere belief in public service and works hard for us in Washington, D.C. to provide the resources we need.”
This year’s FR&S awards will continue to be announced in rounds for the next several weeks.
