| August 14, 2003 |
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) today announced that the Poolville Volunteer Fire Department will receive more than $150,000 from the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen its firefighting operations. The federal grant is being awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which was funded in an appropriations bill passed by Congress earlier this year.
"One of the core missions of the Homeland Security Department is ensuring firefighters and other first responders have the equipment and training they need to protect their communities," said Granger, who serves on the Select Committee on Homeland Security. "This funding will strengthen the ability of Poolville’s volunteer firefighters to respond effectively and safely to emergencies."
The 16 member Poolville Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1957 and serves 42 square miles in northern Parker County, and parts of Wise and Jack counties.
The department plans to use the funds to replace the company’s current truck which is more than 30 years old. 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 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has handed out more than $750 million to firehouses across the country. This amount more than doubles the $350 million that was distributed last year.
"The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a great example of how Homeland Security is putting key resources directly into neighborhoods and communities to better secure the homeland," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.