Baucus, Tester announce almost $200,000 for Montana fire departments

Homeland Security grants will go to Emigrant and Helena

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Two Montana communities are getting some much-needed help to make their communities safer, U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today.

The money comes from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.  The AFG Program regularly awards grants to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations across the country to help those agencies purchase equipment, vehicles, protective gear and training programs.

The following Montana fire departments are receiving grants to help with ongoing operations and safety:

  • Paradise Valley Fire Service Area in Emigrant will receive $143,083.
  • East Valley Fire District in Helena will receive $50,492.

The fire departments applied for the grants last spring.

"Our home town fire departments are so important for keeping our communities safe," Baucus said. "I believe service is one of the most honorable things a person can do. This money will make sure the folks who are serving Montana have the resources they need."

"Ensuring that our local fire departments have the tools they need will make a real difference to help protect our communities," Tester said.  "Investing federal dollars where they will do the most good—especially for rural Montana— is something I am very proud to support."

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training has administered the AFG Program with help from the U.S. Fire Administration since 2001.  Congress has authorized funding for the program through 2010.

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