February 8, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri reports that the Berlin Fire Department will receive a $60,354 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funds will be used to purchase new protective clothing and a thermal imaging camera to help fire fighters locate people in dense smoke.

"This is really good news for us. These grants really support fire departments," said Asst. Fire Chief Gary Podell.

"We ask a lot more of fire departments than we used to," said Petri. "Big cities and small villages all require modern, professional equipment to keep us safer, but the smaller departments have very limited budgets. I want to congratulate the Berlin Fire Department for succeeding with its grant application to this highly competitive program."