Three Cowlitz County Fire Departments Receive FEMA Checks

Release Date: January 8, 2004 Release number: R10-04-70

SEATTLE, Wash. -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Director John Pennington will be in Kelso Monday, 12 January 2004 (Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, 701 Vine Street, Kelso, Washington) at 1 P.M. to present Assistance to Firefighters Grant checks totaling $622,520. Grant recipients include:

• Woodland Fire Department $276,374
• Cowlitz #2 Fire and Rescue $271,926
• Cowlitz County Fire Protection District #3 $ 74,220

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program is designed to increase the effectiveness of fire fighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, EMS programs and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.

“Our nation’s firefighters are the first responders into almost every emergency,” said FEMA Regional Director John Pennington. “Through this award program, President Bush and Congress have provided FEMA the opportunity to significantly enhance the Fire and EMS services they provide to Americans.”

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.