Washington, D.C. - The Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department is set to receive a $44,778 Firefighters Grant awarded from the Department of Homeland Security according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.

        The Saratoga Fire Department plans to use the grant money awarded to them from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase new radios and a thermal imaging camera in addition to expanding other resources for protecting the health and safety of the Saratoga community.

        Early this year, Enzi encouraged all Wyoming fire departments to take advantage of the millions of dollars in federal grants by attending local informational workshops to learn of the application process involved in obtaining the available funds.

        "These grants help fire departments enhance their equipment and training so communities will be better protected," said Enzi.

        To date, 20 different grants totaling more than $2 million have been given to the state of Wyoming from the fiscal year 2005 funding.

        In 2006 alone, the Department of Homeland Security awarded approximately $485 million nationally to fire departments and EMS organizations through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Grant money can be used by recipients for firefighter health and safety programs, enhancing emergency medical services, the purchase of additional personal protection equipment, or modifications to fire stations and facilities.

        A current list of award recipients and dates announced is posted at www.usfa.fema.gov. A complete list of applications, financial information and state fire department data is available at www.firegrantsupport.com.

        Fire departments with questions regarding the grant program can reach the fire grants help desk at 1-866-274-0960, or by writing to firegrants@dhs.gov. For more information on this grant contact Saratoga Fire Chief, Brad Cary at 307-326-8400.