Governor Perdue Welcomes Firefighter Grant Awards to Assist Local Fire Departments

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that five Georgia fire departments will receive grant awards totaling $444,380 in the fifth round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

"As first responders, firefighters risk life and limb to respond to emergencies affecting individuals, families and communities throughout Georgia," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Thanks to these grant awards, five more fire departments in our state will be better prepared for local emergencies."

USFA assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. The grants are used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs. In 2003, there are four program areas supported through the grants: Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, Fire Prevention Program, Emergency Medical Services Program, and Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program.

In the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program area, the Camden County Fire Rescue Volunteer Association will receive $42,030; the Taliaferro County Volunteer Fire Department will receive $22,500; and the Newton County Fire Service will receive $102,200. In the Firefighting Vehicle program area, the Gordy Volunteer Fire Department in Sylvester, GA will receive $171,000 and the Rochelle Volunteer Fire Department in Rochelle, GA will receive $106,650.

The following fire departments have previously received grants this year totaling $1,106,675: Adel Fire Department, City of Stapleton Fire Department, City of Thomaston Fire Department, Clayton Fire Department, Dublin-Laurens Rural Fire Defense, Fire and Rescue of Macon County, Gore Area Volunteer Fire Department, Livingston Bridge Fire Department, Loganville Fire Department, Marvin Yancey Volunteer Fire Department, Neese Fire Department, Oglethorpe Fire Department, O'Neal Volunteer Fire Department, Southeast Cook Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Zebulon Fire Department, Woodland Volunteer Fire Department, and Worth County Fire Department. For more information, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/inside-usfa/03awards/03ga.shtm.

Fire departments having questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can reach the USFA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960.