Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced today that the City of Conroe Fire Department has been awarded a $72,000 grant.  The funds were awarded from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.  The purpose of the FY 2007 AFG is to award grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

 “Our communities depends on our first responders for their safety and everyday these brave men and women put their lives on the line to ensure that safety,” said Brady.  “This grant will make it safer and easier for the Department to do their jobs – I couldn’t be prouder to congratulate the Department and the City of Conroe.”

Ken Kreger, Chief of the City of Conroe Fire Department, welcomed the grant, “I am very pleased that the City of Conroe was awarded this federal grant to provide emergency generator power to the last two of our five fire stations.  These fire stations are utilized as strategic hubs during disasters to house fire, police, and public works personnel to effectively provide public safety to the entire city.  I appreciate Representative Brady’s and Senator Cornyn’s support in securing these critical funds.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Web site reports awarding 147 grants totaling over $15 million to first-responder organizations throughout the United States to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.  These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Using a competitive process overseen by fire service subject matter experts, AFG grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG program.