January 16th, 2009 - WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Bob Corker (R-TN) today applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for awarding a $32,850 grant to Loudon County Fire Rescue for operations and safety under the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

The AFG program provides grants directly to local fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations so they can obtain equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

“This grant will help give the volunteer firefighters in Loudon County the vital resources they need to save lives,” Alexander said. “I appreciate the Department of Homeland Security's investment in emergency preparedness, and I will continue to work to ensure that fire departments in Tennessee are ready and able to keep our citizens safe.”

“Firefighters perform a tremendous public service, and as a former mayor I know firsthand how important it is that they have the best possible resources,” said Corker. “This grant will help ensure that firefighters at the Loudon County Volunteer Fire Department have the support they need to keep our families and our most precious resources safe from harm. I thank the Department of Homeland Security for its continued support of Tennessee’s firefighters and first responders.”