(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) along with Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor announced Friday that rural fire departments in Arkansas have been awarded $498,477 in grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This award will help the departments enhance current operations and improve firefighter safety.

“Rural fire departments play a critical role in the safety of our communities, and it is imperative that we ensure they have the equipment and resources to do their jobs safely,” Ross said. “I am proud to join with my colleagues to announce these funds to provide our first responders with the necessary resources to keep our families and communities safe.”

“As first responders, our local firefighters play an integral role in keeping our communities safe,” Lincoln said. “These federals dollars will help our rural fire departments continue to provide the best possible service to the citizens of their communities.”

“Firefighters save lives, homes and communities,” said Pryor. “These funds are well deserved and will go a long way to ensure these everyday heroes have the equipment and training they need to get the job done.”

This program supports fire departments by providing the tools and resources necessary to ensure the safety of both department personnel and the general public.  
 
The following is a list of grant recipients in Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District and the amount awarded to each recipient:

DHS Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Awards

Camden Fire Department - $248,311

Lake Hamilton Fire Protective Association (Hot Springs) - $120,330

Morning Star Volunteer Fire Department (Hot Springs) - $49,210

Portland Volunteer Fire Department - $44,032

Manning Rural Volunteer Fire Department (Sparkman) - $24,719

Ben Lomond Volunteer Fire Department - $11,875

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