Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the East Alabama Water Sewer and Fire Protection District today for receiving a $455,500 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 East Alabama Water Sewer and Fire Protection District 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 an even safer place to live.”

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, as well as State Representative DuWayne Bridges 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.