Washington, Apr 5, 2007 -

Congressman Patrick McHenry today announced three successful firefighter grant-writing training sessions to round out his 2nd Annual Assistance to Firefighter Grant Workshops. Last month, the Congressman hosted workshops – presided over by Cherryville Fire Department Chief Jeff Cash – in Shelby, Lenoir, and Hickory, which included 54 total attendees from 28 local fire departments.

“These workshops give our local fire departments a competitive edge in securing critical federal funds,” said Congressman McHenry. “I thank Chief Cash for lending his expertise to these sessions, which lay the groundwork for future funding to support greater public safety capabilities.”

Last year’s cycle of Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) awards continue to be issued, and thus far, the Tenth District has received $2,336,673 in total grant funds directed toward 35 local departments. For example, Cleveland County fire departments received a $1 million regional grant to upgrade their communications to 800mhz and improve interoperability; this is the largest AFG grant ever awarded in North Carolina.

“It's been a pleasure to serve as the instructor for Congressman McHenry's fire grant workshops,” said Chief Cash. “Fire and rescue personnel have no greater friend on Capitol Hill than Congressman McHenry. His solid support of emergency services is shown not just in how he votes in Congress, but in his sponsoring these kinds of workshops to assist local departments on the best grant-writing techniques.”

The Congressman sent a letter announcing the workshops to every fire, rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments in the Tenth District, and representatives from 90 percent of the district’s counties participated. At least one department in each county of the 10th District has received an AFG grant since Congressman McHenry began representing the Tenth District in 2005.

City of Lenoir Fire Department Chief Ken Briscoe described the workshops as being, “a valuable tool for everyone who attended. I know our department is better prepared as we go into the application period because of the information that was provided.”