U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

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Washington, Jan 8, 2008 - U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), John Boozman (AR-03), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced over $375,000 in federal grants to Arkansas fire departments through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.  All awards were made through the AFG’s Operations and Safety Program Area.

The following Arkansas fire departments received the awards listed below:

•    Ink Rural Volunteer Fire Department (Mena) - $73,277
•    State Line Volunteer Fire Department (Waldron) - $45,353
•    Swan Lake Fire Department (Altheimer) - $17,339
•    Grange Calamine Volunteer Fire Department (Smithville) - $45,277
•    Harrison Fire Department (Harrison) - $144,400
•    Horseshoe Lake Volunteer Fire Department (Horseshoe Lake) - $49,615

“As first responders, our local firefighters play an integral role in keeping our communities safe,” Lincoln said. “This federal funding will allow these Arkansas fire departments to provide firefighters with the best training and equipment so they can continue to protect families throughout our state.”
“Firefighters protect families and homes when they have the necessary training and equipment to quickly and effectively suppress fires,” said Pryor.  “These funds will improve current operations and ensure these everyday heroes are safe in the line of duty.”
"Local firefighters in rural areas battle challenges that are unique to first responders in other areas of our nation," said Berry.  "It is imperative that we do everything in our power to ensure they have the resources they need to be prepared for all types of emergencies.  These federal dollars will give local firefighters the necessary tools and training to better serve their communities."
“Fire departments are where our local heroes serve the people, and it is important that they are the best equipped,” Boozman said. “The money going to Harrison will go toward air packs, which will protect our firefighters and allow them to rescue the lives and property of its citizens. I am very proud of the Harrison Fire Department, and of its choice to secure these federal funds to improve their service to the people of Harrison.”

“Our rural communities rely heavily on their volunteer fire departments and I am proud to help ensure that they have the necessary equipment and resources to effectively do their jobs,” Ross said. “I am pleased to join with my colleagues today to announce these federal funds so that the families and residents of these communities will know that their fire departments have the resources to keep them safe.”

The AFG program is intended to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public.  AFG program grants through the Operations and Safety Program Area are awarded to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.