WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation today announced $474,610 in grants for eight rural fire departments in Arkansas including fire departments in Izard and Lawrence counties.

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Vic Snyder, John Boozman, Mike Ross and Marion Berry announced the grants jointly. The Federal Emergency Management Administration and U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the “Assistance to Firefighters Program” administer the grants. 

This program provides support to fire departments by providing the tools and resources necessary to ensure both the safety of department personnel and the general public.  Grant funds are used to enhance firefighting operations, develop firefighter health and safety programs, acquire new equipment and vehicles, enhance EMS programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.  Grants were awarded to the following Arkansas fire departments in the following amounts:

First District:    

Ruthie Mountain Volunteer Fire Dept. (Melbourne) - $38,524 for fire operations and firefighter safety

Lynn Fire Improvement District (Lynn) - $32,873 for fire operations and firefighter safety

Zion Volunteer Fire Dept. (Sage) - $33,300 for fire operations and firefighter safety

Other Arkansas Projects:

North Pulaski Fire Protection District 15 (Jacksonville) - $82,084 for fire operations and firefighter safety

Belleville Volunteer Fire Department (Belleville) - $34,461 for fire operations and firefighter safety

West Fork Rural Fire Dept. (West Fork) - $91,620 for fire operations and firefighter safety

Chambersville Volunteer Fire Dept. (Thornton) - $66,299 for fire operations and firefighter safety

New Blaine Rural Fire Dept. (New Blaine) - $95,449 for fire operations and firefighter safety