"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 meet these needs, ultimately helping to reduce deaths and injuries in our nation's fire service community."

"These funds will help local fire departments in Missouri have the equipment necessary to protect the citizens they so admirably serve," said Bond. "It became even more clear after 9-11 that our first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs safely."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge added, "One way the Department of Homeland Security is working to better protect the nation is by providing millions of dollars in direct support of the men and women who help protect our neighborhoods and communities."