Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – January 23, 2008
Contact: BRIAN PERRY: 601-932-4647

PICKERING: $160K FOR THIRD DISTRICT
FIRE FIGHTERS
Jeff Davis, Smith, Newton, Lauderdale County
first responders receive grants

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces four Homeland Security Operations and Safety Grants for first responders in Jefferson Davis, Smith, Newton, and Lauderdale counties.  Pickering said, “When these volunteer firefighters respond to a crisis, 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 following grants from round twenty-five of the competitive FY 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters program:

Goodhope Volunteer Fire Department – Jeff Davis County - $26,860

Raleigh Volunteer Fire Department – Smith County - $34,200

[A previously announced grant for Smith County was Mize Volunteer Fire Department ($47,500) on January 2.]

House Volunteer Fire Department – Newton County - $38,772

[Previously announced grants for Newton County include Union Fire Department ($38,000) and Beulah Hubbard VFD ($29,830) in July, Chunky VFD ($14,902) in September, and Gibbstown-Lawrence FVD ($22,800) in Dec.]

Southeast Fire District – Lauderdale County - $61,028

[Previously announced grants for Lauderdale County include Russell Volunteer Fire and Rescue ($4733) in July; a vehicle acquisition grant for Long Creek VFD ($123,500) in August; another vehicle acquisition grant for Bailey VFD ($118,750) in September; and in November for South VFD ($24,026).]

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-seven grants for more than $1.5 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.