June 25, 2004
Briggsville Fire Department Receives Federal Grant
WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri reports that the Briggsville Fire Department has received a $31,212 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funds will be used to purchase "turnout gear" - protective clothing including helmets, hoods, jackets, pants and boots, and also a new air compressor for filling the air bottles used with the firefighters' breathing apparatus.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their abilities to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities.
"We used to expect fire departments to simply put out fires,
but now we expect them to carry out fire prevention and safety
programs and provide emergency medical services," said Petri.
"These grants are meant to help local communities cope with the
added expenses in order to keep us all safer."