Media Center

U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $337,416 in grants to two local fire departments in the Thirteenth District through the DHS Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

“This funding provides resources for emergency preparedness and homeland security initiatives that are desperately needed by our local fire departments. Firefighters with the City of Oxford and Henry County Fire Departments will use these funds to improve their firefighting operations and firefighter health and safety programs,” said Congressman Scott.

Area fire departments from the 13th Congressional District that will receive awards include:

• City of Oxford Fire Department - $83,529 for Operations and Firefighter Safety
• Henry County Fire Department - $253,887 for Operations and Firefighter Safety

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the DHS Office of Domestic Preparedness, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These grants are used to help local firefighters purchase firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire education and prevention programs.

The City of Oxford and Henry County Fire Departments join more than 8,000 fire departments from around the country that will ultimately receive a total of $750 million in direct assistance grants to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve. The grants awarded to the City of Oxford and Henry County Fire Departments provide funding specifically in the area of Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety, which includes training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington and local officials to deliver the resources that our area first responders need to protect the communities they serve,” said Scott.

Fire departments with questions about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can reach the fire grants help desk by calling 1-866-274-0960 or by writing to firegrants@dhs.gov.