December 22, 2005

Madison County Emergency Medical District to Receive Funding from Department of Homeland Security

$39,379 to be used to purchase facility ventilation system

COLUMBUS, OH – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) announced today the awarding of a federal grant to help the Madison County Emergency Medical District purchase much-needed safety equipment.

The District sought DHS funding for a new air-vac system, which removes exhaust fumes from the vehicle bay and protects personnel from harmful emissions. The grant, in the amount of $39,379 is provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of its 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The Congresswoman applauded the Department’s decision. “I thank the Department of Homeland Security for its continued investment in protecting the safety and lives of our nation’s first responders. The brave men and women of the Madison County Emergency Medical District are tasked with providing for the well-being of area residents; it is only fitting that the federal government helps to ensure the safety of their EMS workers.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters and the services they deliver. For the 2005 program, Congress appropriated $650 million in direct assistance to firefighters. The money will be used to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States.