Liberty to receive federal fire funding

LIBERTY -- The township fire department will receive $76,707 as part of the federal Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act, which provides competitive grants to assist local fire departments.
U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, announced the funds came about because of the FIRE bill that he authored and passed in 2000. As a member of the appropriations committee, DeWine helped secure about $750 million for the FIRE Act during the fiscal year 2004 appropriations process.
Now administered through the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Administration distributes these grants based upon a competitive process of need.
The funds were awarded to the department for operations and firefighter safety. The awards presented to fire departments can be used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fund firefighter health and safety programs, acquire new firefighting equipment, enhance emergency medical service programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.
"This is good news for the residents of [Liberty Township] and the Liberty Fire Department," said DeWine.
The total of all awards, when completed, will represent about $750 million investment to enhance fire and EMS service delivery nationwide. More than 20,400 fire departments applied for grants this year and FEMA expects to award more than 8,000 grants. The grant applications are processed by the U.S. Fire Administration and reviewed by 300 fire service representatives from across the United States.