October 29, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri reports that five rural fire departments in Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District have been awarded grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Montello Fire Department will receive $89,811 to purchase self-contained breathing equipment.

The Glenbeulah Fire Department will receive $10,800 to purchase a thermal imaging camera which can help firefighters to see through heavy smoke to locate fires and trapped people.

The Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Department will receive $71,756 to purchase breathing equipment and hand held radios.

The Knowles Volunteer Fire Department will receive $82,620 to purchase breathing equipment and "turn-out" protective gear.

And the Ixonia Fire Department will receive $78,030 to completely replace its breathing equipment.

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 ask a lot more of fire departments than we used to - not simply fire fighting but also fire prevention, safety programs, emergency medical services and even terrorist threats," said Petri. "These grants are meant to help local communities cope with the added expenses in order to keep us all safer."