WAshignton, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department today for receiving a $170,550 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, money Rogers said would help the Coosa County fire department purchase a new fire truck.

“The men and women of the Hanover Fire Department are the area’s first line of defense,” Rogers said. “This grant will provide direct support for their work, and ultimately help make Coosa County a safer place to live.”

Rogers said today’s grant is the second fire grant for Coosa County in the past two months. In August, Goodwater Fire Department received $31,388 for fire operations and safety initiatives. The Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program, administered under the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, awards funds to purchase pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, or fireboats.

Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funds to the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of fire department operations, improve fire fighter health and safety programs, purchase new equipment, enhance EMS programs, and support prevention and safety programs.