Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced today that The Woodlands Fire Department has been awarded a $30,935.80 federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP).  This grant will help local first responders purchase new chemical detection equipment.

“Federal grants make access to state of the art equipment a reality for many of our smaller communities. This funding will help ensure that our local firefighters have the equipment they need to identify hazardous chemicals in emergency situations,” said Brady. 

Chemical detection equipment is used by first responder teams to identify poisonous gases, solids, and liquids that could be used for weapons of mass destruction, chemical warfare agents, and explosives.

“We are very fortunate to receive this grant, and we will use the money to continue to further the quality of protection we provide in The Woodlands and Montgomery County. This state-of-the-art chemical detection equipment will help to ensure the safety of citizens and firefighters alike,” said Chief Alan Benson of The Woodlands Fire Department.

The goal of the CEDAP program is to strengthen the nation’s level of preparedness by awarding money to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical service providers. In 2007, over $30 million will be provided to law enforcement and emergency responder agencies across the nation.