Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – February 6, 2008
Contact: BRIAN PERRY: 601-932-4647

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces a $76,158 Homeland Security Operations and Safety Grant for the East Neshoba Fire Protection District. 

Pickering said, “When our first responders face a crisis – fire, disaster, storms -- they put their health and lives on the line in service of their community.  These first responders need the training and resources to effectively meet their challenges in the safest way.”

Pickering announced the grant from round twenty-seven of the competitive FY 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters program.  This is the second grant from the FY 2007 program for Neshoba County.  In September, Pickering announced a $69,892 grant for the Dixon Volunteer Fire Department.

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-eight grants for about $1.6 million in fiscal year 2007.  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.

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