Contact: Andrea Andrews 202/224-6518
Wednesday, July 16, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Richard C. Shelby (R-AL) today announced that the Shackleville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $17,415 to assist them with the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs. This funding may also assist with their efforts to upgrade or perform maintenance on their equipment and facilities.

This funding, which has been awarded by the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) Directorate, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), comes in part of their plan to distribute $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters nationwide. Grants will continue to be released over the coming weeks and months to fire departments across the country and in Alabama.

“I’m pleased to announce this grant for the Shackleville Volunteer Fire Department. This funding will assist the community in their efforts to be prepared should they face a local emergency,” Sen. Shelby said.