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PRESS
RELEASE
For Immediate Release: September 27, 2006
Contact: Christy Grubbs/Abigail Shilling (202) 225-6365
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Forbes Announces
$303,308 for Franklin Fire and Rescue |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced
today a federal grant for the Franklin Fire and Rescue in the amount
of $303,308 as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) program through the Department of Homeland
Security.
“Our local fire departments are the first responders when tragedy
strikes, yet too often they lack sufficient funding to protect the
communities they serve. This funding will assist Franklin in
adequate staffing for their firefighters to care for their
citizens,” Forbes said. “I am extremely pleased the Department of
Homeland Security has approved this funding for Franklin Fire and
Rescue.”
“We were extremely excited about being a successful applicant,” said
Franklin Fire and Rescue Chief Vincent Holt. “We are a combination
department, and the biggest problem we have is having a nice balance
of career staffing and volunteers to have the manning we need on a
24 hour period 7 days a week. This is going to be a tremendous help
during our daytime hours when we have the largest shortage of
volunteers. It will fill the void and ensure that adequate manning
is available for response during these periods.”
SAFER works to increase the number of firefighters in local
communities and to help them meet industry minimum standards and
attain 24/7 staffing for adequate protection against fire and
fire-related hazards, and fulfill related roles associated with fire
departments.
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