Conroe, TX - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) is proud to announce that the North Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $97,920 grant by the Department of Homeland Security’s 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. 

 

“Awards like this are vital to our hometown communities in North Montgomery County.  Federal grants make it possible for our region to purchase state of the art lifesaving equipment.  Homeland Security depends on our first responders – the brave men and women in our community who volunteer their time to save lives and respond to emergencies. Thanks to the Department of Homeland Security, North Montgomery County firefighters will have added resources to make it safer and easier to do their jobs,” said Brady.

 

North Montgomery County Fire Chief Joseph Craig added, “We are extremely appreciative of this award, it could not have come at a better time.  Breathing equipment and other fire safety equipment is extremely expensive these grants really make a difference.”

 

According to Chief Craig today’s award will help the North Montgomery County VFD replace breathing equipment that is set to expire in the next six months.  Each breathing tank and apparatus costs $3,800.  The North Montgomery County VFD operates six engines and must outfit each crew member with a breathing tank.

 

Homeland Security’s 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their abilities to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities.

 

This vital program seeks to support departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.  These awards will be used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fund fire fighter health and safety programs, acquire new fire apparatus, enhance EMS programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.