Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that two fire departments in North Alabama will receive a total of $73,581 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The North Alabama departments receiving funding for Operations and Firefighter Safety include the Bryant Stations – TriCommunity Fire Department, which will receive $44,131, and the New Market Volunteer Fire Department, which will receive $29,450.

“I’m pleased that the Department of Homeland Security awarded this funding,” said Cramer.  “Everyday our firefighters put themselves on the front lines and it is important that they have the equipment and training they need to protect our lives and our property.  This funding is a good shot in the arm for our firefighters in Jackson and Madison Counties and it will go a long way in helping them continue to protect our area.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States and is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

Representative Cramer was a cosponsor of the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act (FIRE Act).  The FIRE Act is the first comprehensive national legislation dedicated to meet the needs of America’s 32,000 volunteer, paid, and part-paid fire departments.  The bill created and funded the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.”  Under this competitive grant program, funds are awarded directly to local fire departments for activities such as training, purchasing vehicles and equipment, funding fire prevention programs, and conducting wellness and fitness programs for firefighting personnel.