Idaho Receives $246,928 To Assist Firefighters

Boise, ID -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced today the first 219 grants of what will ultimately total approximately 7,000 grants worth $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters from the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Included in the announcement were awards for six Idaho communities, including Centerville, Dover, Cottonwood, Clear Creek, Coolin and Ashton.

"Homeland Security has provided more than $4 billion to state and local governments this year to support the efforts of first responders and help us secure the homeland," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. "The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a great example of the importance we place on providing the resources and training necessary to protect our citizens and the firefighters who do so much for their communities."

The first round of grants included $13.3 million that will be provided to local fire departments to fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.

"Providing these funds to the local fire departments is key to the president's commitment to being sure the men and women protecting the communities in which they live are most prepared," said Brown. "FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration will work tirelessly throughout the year to be sure these grants are distributed quickly and efficiently."

Grants have been made available to the following fire departments in Idaho:

    * Centerville Volunteer Fire Dept. - $5,580 for fire operations and Firefighter Safety.
    * Westside Fire District - $54,000 for a firefighting vehicle.
    * City of Cottonwood Fire Dept. - $94,500 for a firefighting vehicle.
    * Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. - $28,048 for fire operations and firefighter safety.
    * Coolin-Cavanaugh Bay Fire Protection District -$61,650 for a firefighting vehicle.
    * North Fremont Fire District - $3,150 for fire operations and firefighter safety.

For more information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and for a list of all current award recipients announced to date, please visit www.fema.gov. Future grant recipients will be listed each week as awards are made.

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