Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – December 20, 2007
Contact: BRIAN PERRY: 601-932-4647

PICKERING: $75,454 FOR FIRST RESPONDER EQUIPMENT
Florence PD, Prentiss PD, and Kemper County Emergency Management receive Homeland Security grants

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces three Homeland Security Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grants totaling $75,454. 

• Florence Police Department - $38,764.62 – MobileSynchRMS (Records Management Software and Hardware)

• Prentiss Police Department - $30,935.80 – CEDAP Chemical Detection Kit

• Kemper County Emergency Management (Scooba) – Ruggerdized HazMasterG3 Decision Support System

Pickering said, “Every time our first responders go out on the job in Mississippi, they face potential threats.  A routine traffic stop could encounter an armed criminal.  A small fire could spread dangerous noxious chemicals.  Or, serving a warrant could put an officer in danger of poisons in a meth lab.  These people put their health, safety, and lives on the line to protect us and our communities and they need the resources, tools, and training to perform their jobs safely and effectively.”

CEDAP provides smaller communities and rural areas with technology and equipment, together with training and technical assistance, to help enhance first responder capabilities throughout the nation.  CEDAP grants can provide resources such as communications interoperability equipment, information sharing technology, chemical detection devices, sensors, personal protective equipment, and rescue tools and training in how to use the equipment, devices, and technology.

CEDAP will provide equipment and training valued at approximately $33.7 million to law enforcement and emergency responder agencies across the nation and was funded by the FY 2007 Homeland Appropriations Act.

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