WASHINGTON   –  Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that the Wappapello Volunteer Fire Department and the Mountain Grove Fire Department will receive grants from a Department of Homeland Security grant program for operations and safety.   In addition, the Whitewater Fire Protection District will receive funds for vehicle acquisition.

“Our firefighters come from all walks of life and serve every segment of society.  In fact, many of these brave men and women are volunteers who generously serve their community in another occupation and then volunteer to help keep us safe and out of harm's way.”  Emerson said, “However, many of those departments, especially those here in rural Missouri, operate on less than a shoe string budget and have needed new equipment and more training for a number of years. This much-needed funding will help the individuals in our fire service community meet these very important needs."

Emerson is co-chair of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus.

Wappapello Volunteer Fire Department    $68,020

Mountain Grove Fire Department                $30,400

Whitewater Fire Protection District           $199,500