September 21, 2005

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri reports that the Wilson - Black River Fire Department has received a $34,504 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The funds will be used to purchase modern breathing equipment for firefighters to use in fires. "Their current equipment is made up of various makes and models. The new equipment will be uniform and meet modern standards," said Petri.

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."