THE O'NEILL FIRE DEPARTMENT ONE OF FOUR
TO RECEIVE $176,130 IN FEDERAL FIREFIGHTER GRANTS

Washington, DC -- Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson announced that the O'Neill Fire Department has been awarded a $45,125 grant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It was one of four Nebraska fire departments awarded a total of $176,130 in Operations and Safety grants.

Other departments receiving funds in Nebraska were Greeley Rural Fire District - $83,600; Walthill Rural Fire Protection District - $9,405; and Pawnee City Fire Department -$38,000.

Designed to strengthen and enhance basic firefighting capabilities and other emergency services across the United States, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will give awards through four program areas. These areas include the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, the Fire Prevention Program, the Emergency Medical Services Program and the Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program.

The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program provides funding for additional training, fitness equipment and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

This grant also provides funding for new firefighting equipment. The Fire Prevention Program promotes public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement activities, and provides funding for the purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems.

"These grants will assist these Nebraska fire departments with conducting education programs and fire prevention, enhancing emergency medical services programs, and purchasing new firefighting equipment," said Nelson.

"With these funds, our fire departments will more efficiently and effectively protect Nebraska families."

Additional information about the grants may be found at www.usfa. fema.gov or by calling 1-866-2740960.