Harkin Announces more than $600,000 in Grants to Assist Iowa Fire Departments

Press Release

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that two Iowa fire departments have been awarded a total of with $686,748 to assist in recruiting volunteer firefighters. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) is designed to enhance the recipient's ability to maintain 24 hour staffing and to ensure that the community has adequate protection during fire related emergencies.

"The tragic wildfires occurring in Colorado have underscored the importance of having well-staffed fire departments ready to work around the clock to combat fire related disasters," said Harkin. "This funding will allow the North Liberty and West Burlington areas to recruit additional personnel for emergency situations."

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