Thursday, Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Saks, congratulated the Piedmont Emergency Rescue Squad today for receiving a $144,390.90 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Rogers said the funding would help the fire department purchase a new firefighting vehicle.
“Calhoun County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of the Piedmont Emergency Rescue Squad for receiving this grant and hope it will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.”
Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Rogers said that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is an essential federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation.
“I am pleased to see the federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District,” Rogers added.
According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the program is to award funding directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies. The aim of these grant awards is to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.
The Piedmont Rescue Squad was established in 1965 as an all volunteer force and the ambulances were converted station wagons.
Currently, Piedmont Rescue Squad has three stations, operates eight ALS ambulances, one rescue truck equipped with vehicle extrication equipment as well as other rescue equipment, a dive trailer and several search and rescue vehicles. The agency has four crews working 24 hours a day to serve as the primary EMS transport service for The City of Piedmont and surrounding communities. The Rescue squad also serves the Town of Ohatchee and surrounding communities. The Piedmont Rescue Squad also is the back-up provider for the City of Jacksonville. Coverage area extends to: Calhoun, Cherokee, Etowah and Cleburne counties. The squad has grown to over 60 members, including volunteers, full-time, and part-time paid personnel.
Rogers serves as the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security. Rogers is presently serving in his nine term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District.
