WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representatives John Boozman (AR-03) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas fire departments will receive $894,718 in federal grants through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. All awards were made through the AFG’s Vehicle Acquisition and Operations and Safety Program Areas.

The following Arkansas fire departments received awards:

Third Congressional District:

Clifty Fire Department (Huntsville) - $96,601          

Omaha Volunteer Fire Department (Omaha) - $61,513        

Van Buren Fire Department (Van Buren) - $125,876           

Pleasure Heights Volunteer Fire Department (Lowell) - $190,000   

Johnson County Rural Fire District #3 (Hagarville) - $127,608        

Big Creek (Lavaca) - $55,216

Hindsville Rural Fire Department (Hindsville) - $33,060     

Fourth Congressional District:

Norphlet Rural Fire Department (Norphlet) - $96,900          

Crossett Fire Department (Crossett) - $107,944        

“This funding is critical to ensure that Arkansas’s first responders have the resources they need to respond to fires and other emergencies,” Lincoln said. “I am committed to securing federal funds for firefighters who work tirelessly to keep Arkansas’s communities safe.”

"Firefighters are a critical part of our communities’ first responders. This grant will ensure that fire departments across Arkansas have the resources they need to meet emerging challenges and keep their residents safe," Pryor said. "I will continue to advocate for adequate funding on the federal level for programs that support our local firefighters."

“This funding helps provide the tools and training our firefighters and first responders need to serve the people of Arkansas. With the economic constraints many of our communities are experiencing, grants like these provide additional resources to keep Arkansans safe,” Boozman said.

“Our communities rely on local and volunteer fire fighters and first responders to help keep our families safe and protect our homes,” Ross said.  “I am pleased to help announce these federal investments because our brave first responders must always have the support they need to quickly answer the needs of their citizens.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is intended to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public. AFG grants are awarded to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. In addition, funds will go toward fire trucks, ambulances and other supporting vehicles and equipment.