Chapel Hill Volunteer Fire Department Receives Federal Grant

October 4, 2007, CHAPEL HILL – The Chapel Hill Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $133,475 U.S. Department of Homeland Security operations and safety grant, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.

“Many communities struggle to maintain EMS and firefighting services,” said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on EMS providers and firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not.

“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.”

Firefighter Paul Rigsby said the Chapel Hill Fire Department will use the federal funds to purchase a new fire truck tanker.

“These grants are like rewards to the firefighters that volunteer their time. Grants such as these help protect rural communities and the firefighters’ work environment,” Rigsby said. “This particular grant was one of the best managed programs.”