By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell (D) from Selma announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding a grant in the amount of $20,752 to the Midfield Fire and Rescue Service through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grant will be used for fire fighter education and training.
Rep. Sewell said in a written statement, “I am pleased that the Midfield Fire and Rescue Service will receive this grant. Fire fighters play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and this grant program will give the Midfield Fire and Rescue Service the resources they desperately need to ensure that our communities are safe and secure.”
Midfield Fire and Rescue Service Chief Larry Manning said, “We are ecstatic to be receiving this grant that will be a shot in the arm for our entire department. “This funding will help us purchase a new fire hose and nozzles that were in need of replacement and is a real asset to our firefighters’ safety.”
According to information from the Congresswoman’s office, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is part of the national effort to strengthen overall preparedness and help America’s first responders deal with hazards, including fire, natural disasters, or terror attacks. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding for the purchase of emergency response equipment, personal safety equipment, training, firefighting trucks and emergency vehicles.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program makes direct awards to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their capacity to protect the health and safety of the public. The awards are made to applicants on a competitive basis. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Congresswoman Terri A Sewell represents Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell will begin her second term in the United States Congress in January.
