Washington, DC  -  U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers congratulated the Equality Volunteer Fire Department today for receiving a $90,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The men and women of the Equality Volunteer 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 Coosa County a safer place to live.”

The Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program, administered under the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, awards funds to purchase pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, or fireboats. Rogers congratulated Fire Chief Jesse Coker for helping achieve this grant.

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.