Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – December 12, 2007
Contact: BRIAN PERRY: 601-932-4647

PICKERING: $75,391 FOR FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
Scott County first responders receive Homeland Security Operations and Safety Grant

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces a Homeland Security Operations and Safety Grant of $75,391 for the Forest Fire Department.  The grant is from round nineteen of the competitive FY 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters program.  This is the second grant from this program announced for Scott County this year.  Pickering announced a $16,673 grant for the North Central Scott County Volunteer Fire Department in August.

Pickering said, “Firefighters in Forest face diverse challenges from protecting sensitive defense sector businesses, to facilities critical to agriculture and poultry, to neighborhood businesses and individual homes.  When these first responders confront a crisis, they put their health and lives on the line in service of their community.  These public servants need the training and resources 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 program seeks to enhance the ability to protect the health and safety of the public as well as the first-responder personnel. 

Since this program began four years ago, Pickering has announced more than 160 grants to Mississippi fire departments for nearly $12 million from this program with an additional twenty-two grants for more than $1.3 million this year.  

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.