Washington, DC  -  U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers congratulated the Seale Fire Department and the Uchee Creek Fire Department today for receiving $257,461 in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, money Rogers said would help the Russell County fire departments purchase a new fire truck and new protective equipment.

“The men and women of the Seale and Uchee Creek fire departments are the area’s first line of defense,” Rogers said. “This grant will provide direct support for their work, and ultimately help make Russell County a safer place to live.”

Rogers said Seale Fire Department would receive $173,700 to help purchase a new fire truck this year, adding that Seale Fire Department also received a $62,662 fire grant last year. Uchee Creek Fire Department, he said, would receive $83,761 for fire operations and safety initiatives.

“I would also like to thank state Representative Lesley Vance for his 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.