Washington, D.C.  -  Several Tallapoosa County Volunteer Fire Departments and one police department should soon have new cutting edge devices to help fight fires and better protect local citizens, Congressman Mike Rogers said today.

Known as thermal imagers, Rogers said the devices will help local firemen see people trapped in smoke – filled environments. The equipment was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security and is worth approximately $9,700 each.  The lifting tools include gas powered spreaders, cutters, and RAM tools and will assist first responders with heavy lifting during emergency situations.  This equipment is worth $17,914.  The advanced vehicle tracking system will help law enforcement track vehicles and is GPS based.  This equipment is worth $46,889.

“These high tech tools should help local fire and rescue teams save lives,” Rogers said. “I am delighted the federal government has chosen to make these investments in Tallapoosa County, and hope these devices will bring even greater support for our local responders.”

Rogers said StillWaters Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Inc. and Paces Point Volunteer Fire Department both received a thermal imager.  Our Town/Willow Point Volunteer Fire Department and Buttston Volunteer Fire Department received the lifting tools.  New Site Police Department received the advanced vehicle tracking system.

Rogers is Chairman of the Homeland Security subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight and said these types of programs are critical for helping local communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. “These folks are our first line of defense locally, and I will continue to do whatever I can to support these types of initiatives,” he said.

Funding for the program is administered under the FY05 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP), Phase II, which included an expanded selection of equipment and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

                                                                        - ### -