Rooney Announces Firefighters Grant Awards for Palm Beach County, Highlands Lakes

Stuart, FL – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Highlands Lakes Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department have been awarded competitive grants through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) announced today.  Palm Beach County Fire Rescue will receive $400,000, while the Highlands Lakes Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department will receive $9,003.

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are a vital tool to help ensure that local fire departments and first responders have the resources and training they need to react to any potential disaster or crisis,” said Rooney. “I am pleased to announce these awards for our fire and rescue teams, and I applaud their hard work and dedication to protecting the health and safety of our communities.”

The AFG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).  Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Highlands Lakes Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department received funds through the AFG’s Operations and Safety Program, which provides assistance for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

In November 2009, Rep. Rooney voted to pass the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009.

“To learn more about grant related services or to request a letter of support, please contact my office at (772) 288-4668 or visit http://Rooney.house.gov,” Rooney said.