Mississippi fire departments receive federal grants

By Staff
special to The Star
June 19, 2003
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering announced Wednesday that South Volunteer Fire Department in Lauderdale County will receive $24,480 in federal grant money for fire operations and firefighter safety.
Pickering said the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department in Philadelphia will receive a $121,401 firefighting vehicle grant.
The money was part of more than $370,000 in federal grants awarded to fire departments in Mississippi. Other recipients included volunteer fire departments in Natchez, Prentiss and Walnut Grove.
The grants were included in the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, one-year grants distributed to fire departments to enhance their ability to respond to fires and fire-related hazards.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security distributes the grant money.
The grant program awards money for fire operations and firefighter safety which includes training, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment and modifications to fire stations.
The program also awards money for firefighting vehicles acquisition which covers pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue, ambulance, foam units and fire boats.