WASHINGTON  -  “In rural Missouri, public safety is a major concern.  Luckily, men and women in our communities volunteer for and support our rural firefighters and first responders.  This grant is an opportunity to greatly enhance public safety and service in Howardsville, and I am very proud to be part of this event,” Emerson said.  “The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have done a wonderful job to identify this opportunity and work with local officials to make it a reality.”