Congressman Spencer Bachus announced this week that the Jemison Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded two federal fire grants totaling more than $294,000.

“The firefighters in the Jemison Volunteer Fire Department are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property. They deserve modern equipment and the best in safety gear.  It is a major accomplishment for a department to qualify for one grant from this program, much less two. The Jemison Fire Department is to be commended for its commitment to its citizens and community,” Bachus said.

Bachus announced the following two grants: Vehicle Acquisition grant in the amount of $232,727 for the purchase of a new fire engine and an Operations and Safety grant in the amount of $61,674 for the purchase of safety equipment.

“I would like to personally thank Congressman Bachus for the assistance and hard work in obtaining this grant,” Chief John Dennis said. “Public safety for the citizens of Jemison is very important to me and all the city officials.  This new fire engine and equipment is a huge asset to the city.  We will be able to enhance our services even more to the people of our city and provide our firefighters much needed and safer equipment to work with.

“This equipment will also assist us in lowering our ISO rating, which will help in lowering homeowners insurance. I am very excited knowing that in the very near future we will be utilizing this new apparatus and equipment in providing services and protection to our citizens, our businesses, and a safer environment for our firefighters.”

“The mayor, city council, and all of the citizens of Jemison would like to express our appreciation for the dedication that Congressman Spencer Bachus has given to the city of Jemison,” said Mayor Eddie Reed. “We cannot be more thankful for this grant along with the other many things that we have been helped with. This grant will assist us in upgrading our fire department as we provide a better service and a better way of living for the residents of the city of Jemison.”

Funds awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated medical services organizations. Only the applications most closely conforming to program priorities are considered and scored by peer review panels.

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.