Press Release

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – November 7, 2007
Contact: ALEXANDER GUFFIN: 202-225-5031

PICKERING: $84K FOR MERIDIAN, STARKVILLE, AND MABEN FIRST RESPONDERS
Lauderdale, Oktibbeha first responders receive Homeland SecurityOperations and Safety Grant

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces a Homeland Security Operations and Safety Grant of $24,026 for the South Volunteer Fire Department, $7,173 for Oktibbeha District 5 Volunteer Fire Department, and $52,924 for the Town of Maben. The grant is from round fourteen of the competitive FY 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters program.  Over the past four years, Congressman Pickering has announced more than 160 grants to Mississippi fire departments for nearly $12 million from this program.  He has announced eighteen grants this year for more than $1 million.

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

The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program Grant provides funds for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness and modifications to fire stations and facilities.  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.