25 January 2005

Marion County Fire District #7 Awarded Federal Grant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the Marion County Fire District #7 has been selected to receive $22,787 in funding as part of round 31 of the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Other communities such as Walnut City, Bonner Springs, Potwin 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 Marion. 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 Marion County Fire District #7 was awarded their grant in the Operations and Firefighter Safety category, which includes training, equipment, wellness and fitness, as well as facilities improvements.

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.