WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded grants totaling $127,409 to two communities in Iowa through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

            “The storms that hit Iowa last summer show just how important first responders are to local safety,” Grassley said. “This money will help make sure these fire departments have the equipment and personnel necessary to keep the community safe.”

Both communities received funds through the Operations and Safety Program. The Operations and Safety Program helps provide to fire departments training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. The funds were distributed as shown below.

v  Greeley Fire Department - $69,213

v  Martelle Volunteer Fire Department - $58,196

This funding is part of round 15 of the fiscal 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awards.  The federal program distributes funds to local fire departments to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs.