Newton County VFD snags grant

By Staff
Special to The Star
September 9, 2004
The Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department in Newton County and three other fire departments in Franklin, Rankin and Lawrence counties will receive thousands of dollars in federal Homeland Security Grants.
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, the 3rd District Republican congressman, announced the grants on Wednesday. Greenfield's grant will be $25,507.
The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program grants provide funds for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The latest grants were part of the 15th round of announcements for the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program which has included 16 grants totaling more than $1 million for the 3rd Congressional District.
Last year, Pickering announced 60 Homeland Security Department fire grants from the 2003 program totaling more than $3.1 million for the 3rd District.
Through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2004, Congress provided $750 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program which helps rural, urban and suburban fire departments.
These funds are used by firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, improve firefighter health and safety programs and establish or expand fire prevention and safety programs.
These grants include emergency medical services.