WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-7) announced that $66,589 in funding was awarded to the McAdory Area Fire District by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) grant program in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The fiscal year 2011 funds, awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program will be used to improve McAdory’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day across the State of Alabama,” said Rep. Sewell.  “These funds will help ensure that the McAdory Area Fire District has the adequate resources they need to protect our communities.”

“I want to thank Congresswoman Sewell so much,” said Jeff Wyatt, Fire Chief of the McAdory Area Fire District. “This is money that is definitely needed and will be put to good use; especially after all the devastation we suffered from last year’s tornadoes.”

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program supports organizations that lack the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards they may face. AFG grants bolster fire departments' ability to respond to fires and fire-related hazards, along with their overall level of preparedness.

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Contact:   Allison Abney;  (202) 225-2665;  Allison.abney@mail.house.gov