14 January 2005

Soldier Township Fire Department Awarded Federal Grant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the Soldier Township Fire Department has been selected to receive $78,960 in funding as part of round 30 of the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Other communities such as Walnut City, Bonner Springs, Lane County and Osage County have recently received funds from the program to improve their fire departments.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius said, “This money helps protect Kansas communities, like Soldier. Firefighters and emergency personnel deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their efforts.”

As part of the 2004 grant program, Congress appropriate more than $750 million in direct assistance designed to award one-year grants to local fire departments, enhancing their abilities to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities.

The Soldier Township Fire Department was awarded their grant in the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety category, which includes training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Department of Homeland Security received more than 20,400 applications for the program, selecting only those who demonstrated financial need and were able to articulate the benefits to be derived from the grant funds.