Southeast Community Fire Department Receives Federal Grant

February 25, 2008, BETHPAGE – Southeast Community Fire Department will receive a $29,184 U.S. Department of Homeland Security operations and safety grant, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.

“The recent tornado in Castalian Springs is an unfortunate example of why it’s so important for first responders and other emergency personnel to have necessary and up-to-date equipment.

“This Assistance to Firefighters Program grant fits the intent of Congress to provide much needed assistance to both EMS organizations and fire departments,” said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

The Southeast Community Fire Department will purchase turnout gear, firefighting hoses and nozzles, and generators, according to Chief Cless Summers.

“The generators will add a little more lighting and power source on the scene,” Summers said. “At a wreck scene, the generators can light the highway in case we have to extricate.”

The Southeast Community Fire Department responds to emergencies, rescue and fire in the communities of Cairo, Sideview, Bethpage, Castalian Springs and outside the Gallatin city limits. The department also assists Trousdale County.

The grant is in addition to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant that allowed the Southeast Community Fire Department to purchase an engine last year.