Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – November 28, 2007
Contact: BRIAN PERRY: 601-932-4647

PICKERING: $114K FOR MARTINVILLE FIRE
Simpson County first responders receive grant to assist in vehicle acquisition

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces a Homeland Security Vehicle Acquisition Grant of $114,000 for Martinville’s Fire Station #7 in Simpson County.  The grant is from round seventeen of the competitive FY 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters program.

Pickering said, “When our firefighters respond to a crisis, they put their health and lives on the line in service of their community.  These volunteers need the machines and resources to effectively meet their challenges in the safest way.”

The Vehicle Acquisition Grant Program provides funds to fire departments for the purchase of pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats. These funds are from the fiscal year 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  This program seeks to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards.  The funds seek to enhance the ability to protect the health and safety of the public as well as the first-responder personnel. 

A complete list of applications, financial information and fire department data is available at www.firegrantsupport.com for each state. Fire departments with questions can reach the fire grants help desk at firegrants@dhs.gov or toll free 1-866-274-0960.

Congressman Chip Pickering represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  This is his sixth term.