WASHINGTON (April 21) – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today announced that the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a federal fire grant in the amount of $61, 306. 

            “Firefighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property.  They deserve modern equipment and the best in safety gear.  This grant program helps ensure that fire companies have the necessary resources to quickly and effectively respond to emergency calls.  The Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department is to be commended for qualifying for this grant,” Bachus said. 

            Bachus announced the following grant. 

Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department – $61, 306. 

Operations and Safety Grant for upgrading of radio communications equipment 

            Chief Rodney Stafford said, “This is great news for our department.  All of the money we have comes from fire dues and this grant represents about three years of our budget.  Without this grant, we would not have been able to afford to upgrade the radio equipment in our fire engines.  The money will be a real help to us.  We appreciate Congressman Bachus’ support of the fire grant program.” 

            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.