Talent, Graves Announce Fire Grant for Downing

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Talent, Graves Announce Fire Grant for Downing

(Washington, D.C) U.S. Senator Jim Talent and U.S. Congressman Sam Graves announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $9,477 grant for the Downing Community Fire Association. The funds will be used for operations and firefighter safety.

"The federal government continues to provide new resources for our local first responders," Sen. Talent said. "Downing's fire protection team is a first class operation and this funding will help protect their safety. The least we can do is provide adequate protection for the people who save lives and property by running into the buildings while everyone else is running out."

"I appreciate the service of the firefighters in Downing," Graves said. "We must invest in their safety and effectiveness and this grant will help supply them with the training and equipment necessary to carry out their duty. Firefighters are trained to handle a wide range of problems and disasters and this grant provides the needed investment to help them meet the challenge."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their abilities to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities. For fiscal year 2004, $750 million in firefighter grants are to be distributed by the Department of Homeland Security.