Washington, DC  -  U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers congratulated the Abanda Fire Department today for receiving a $54,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, money Rogers said would help the Chambers County fire department purchase a new fire truck.

“The men and women of the Abanda Fire Department are the area’s first line of defense,” Rogers said. “This grant will provide direct support for their work, and ultimately help make Chambers County a safer place to live.”

Rogers said today’s grant is the second for the Abanda Fire Department in just over a year. In 2003, Abanda received $25,650. The Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program, administered under the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, awards funds to purchase pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, or fireboats.

“I would also like to thank state Senator Gerald Dial and state Representatives Dwayne Bridges and Richard Laird for their assistance with this project,” Rogers added.

Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funds to the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of fire department operations, improve fire fighter health and safety programs, purchase new equipment, enhance EMS programs, and support prevention and safety programs.