30 August 2005

Governor announces more than $1 million to protect communities

Kansans count on local fire departments and emergency medical service organizations to protect our communities.

“It’s critical our fire departments and first responders have funds for training, health and safety programs, equipment and response vehicles to better protect Kansans,” Governor Sebelius said. The Governor announced today that Kansas received more than one million dollars in federal fire prevention grant funds for nine communities to meet vital needs.

These grants were part of the first round of the Fiscal Year 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and administered by the Department of Homeland Security. The grant program will issue approximately 5,500 awards worth $600 million in direct assistance to firefighters and first responders throughout the country, demonstrating Homeland Security’s commitment to ensuring that America’s firefighters have the resources they need to protect their communities.

Four of the Kansas communities received funding for operations and safety. These monies will go toward training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities. The other five departments’ funds will go toward vehicle acquisition including brush trucks, tankers, rescue, ambulances, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

“These tools will no doubt help our first responders protect our Kansas communities,” Governor Sebelius said.

The grants went to the following Kansas fire departments and emergency medical services organizations for: