“Our rural communities rely heavily on their fire departments and it’s imperative that we ensure that they have the necessary equipment and resources to do their jobs adequately and safely,” Ross said. “I am proud to join with my colleagues today to announce these funds so that the families and residents of North Crossett will know that their first responders have the necessary resources to keep them safe.”

“As first responders, our local firefighters play an integral role in keeping our communities safe,” Lincoln said. “I am pleased that the North Crossett Volunteer Fire Department will be able to use these federal dollars for additional training and better equipment as its dedicated volunteers continue to risk their lives to serve the citizens of their community.”

“Volunteer firefighters risk putting their lives on the line every time they respond to the ring of a fire alarm,” said Pryor.  “These brave public servants deserve the very best resources and training in order effectively do their job and keep the North Crossett community safe.”

The purpose of the grant program is to provide first responders with additional training and equipment which will enhance their abilities to protect the health and safety of the public and protect firefighters from job-related hazards. The DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness administers the grant program in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program has been providing funding to fire departments and other first responders since 2001. To date, a total of $2.2 billion in grants through the AFG program has been awarded to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.

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