Washington DC  -  Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that two Southern Missouri fire departments will receive funding from a Department of Homeland Security grant program.  The funds, which were awarded to departments in Taney and Wayne counties will be used to fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.

 

Commenting on the grant announcement, Emerson stated, “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 continued, “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 fire departments buy this critical equipment, ultimately helping reduce deaths and injuries in our nation's fire service community."

 

“In support of our firefighters who are often first on the scene in emergencies, we’re putting critical resources directly into local fire departments and the neighborhoods they serve,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response.  “These grants underscore President Bush’s commitment to provide first responders with the resources needed to answer the call in disasters of all type, natural and man-made
  
These grants are the third in a series of more than 7,000 that will be awarded nationwide as part of this year’s Homeland Security funding.

Taney County   Cedarcreek Vol. Fire Department  $39,308

Wayne County (Williamsville) Black River Fire Protection Volunteers $60,750