WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  All of us across East Alabama agree that our first responders deserve our unwavering support and gratitude. 

These folks – our firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and emergency coordinators – are the first people we call in an emergency. Many are volunteers and almost all are on the front lines when disaster strikes.

Given the sacrifices they make, these brave men and women also deserve the Federal government’s support to help obtain the equipment they need to help keep our communities safe.

This past week, many of our fire departments finished applying for grants under this year’s Federal fire grant program.

Known as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, this funding has been critically important for East Alabama’s firefighters and first responders.

As a testament to the importance of these grants in our rural communities, talk with a local firefighter. You may hear their department received a new fire truck as a result of this program.

Or you may hear about the new gear or training they received, or are hoping to receive. 

 As Congress continues its work on the 2009 budget, it’s critical this vital program receives strong support.

Last December, for example, the House passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act as part of the final budget bill with my strong support. The final funding level included $560 million for Fire grant funding.
 

Our police, sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies deserve Congress’ strong support as well.

These folks typically apply for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants which provide training, equipment and technical assistance.

This year I joined with many of my colleagues to ask the Congressional Leadership for their increased support for this important program. I hope Congress this year will once again make this initiative a national priority as well.

Of course, East Alabama is also home to one of the finest Federal first responder training centers in the nation.

The Center for Domestic Preparedness in Calhoun County is the only weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training facility that provides hands-on training to first responders with live chemical agents.

This is a critically important facility for our nation’s rural first responders, and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee I will continue to do all I can to ensure Congress understands its vital role.

 As always, if you have any comments on this or any issue, please contact me at any of my district offices, or on the web at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.