Washington, DC -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the citizens of Randolph County today for receiving Federal support for eight fire departments across the county, funding which should total $1,125,430 this year.

Rogers said the following fire departments would receive grants from this week’s announcement to help purchase new fire trucks: $177,434 for Dickert Volunteer Fire Department; $170,050 for Mount Olive Fire Department; $174,800 for County Line Volunteer Fire Department; $156,750 for Fosters Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department; and $177,553 for A & M Volunteer Fire Department.

Rogers also said these three fire departments would receive grants to help purchase new safety equipment: $94,926 for Woodland Volunteer Fire Department; $90,347 for Rock Mills Volunteer Fire Department; and $83,571 for Newell Volunteer Fire Department.

All grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and should provide critical support for local first responders.

“Randolph County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I am thrilled local citizens will benefit from these investments and certainly congratulate our local firefighters for receiving these grants.”

Rogers said funding for the grants is included under the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation. “I would also like to thank State Senator Gerald Dial and State Representatives

DuWayne Bridges and Richard Laird for their assistance with these projects,” Rogers said.

Rogers is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress, and said he hoped additional fire grants for East Alabama fire departments could be announced over the next several months.