9 February 2005

Butler County Rural Fire District Awarded Federal Grant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the Butler County Rural Fire District in Rosalia has been selected to receive funding as part of round 33 of the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Six other Kansas fire departments were also selected in this round to receive these federal funds. The Butler County Rural Fire District will receive $35,514.

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

As part of the 2004 grant program, Congress appropriates 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 Butler County Rural Fire District was awarded its 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, and selected only those that demonstrated financial need and were able to articulate the benefits to be derived from the grant funds.