Area fire departments get $334,651 in federal grants

Fire departments and emergency medical services in the Fort Smith area received $349,830 in federal grants through a Department of Homeland Security program.

More than $1.51 million was granted in Arkansas under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The AFG program is intended to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, according to a joint statement from members of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation. 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.

Of the $334,651 awarded to operations in the 3rd Congressional District (includes most of the Fort Smith area), $298,627 was awarded to departments in the Fort Smith area. the West Logan County/Booneville Rural Volunteer Fire Association, which is part of Arkansas’ 4th Congressional district, was awarded $51,203.

The following is a breakdown of the grants by congressional district.
First District
Allison Sylamore Volunteer Fire Department (Mountain View) – $87,353
Grubbs Volunteer Fire Department (Grubbs) – $230,850
Campground Sylvania & Mt. Zion Volunteer Fire Department (Austin) – $25,650
McCrory Volunteer Fire Department (McCrory) – $73,326
Marmaduke Volunteer Fire Department (Marmaduke) – $67,490
Scott Fire Protection District (Scott) – $102,534
Jonesboro Fire Department (Jonesboro) – $148,000

Second District
Gravel Ridge Fire Department (Gravel Ridge) – $28,239
Lake Maumelle Area Rural Fire District No. 8 (Roland) – $196,175
El Paso Volunteer Fire Department (El Paso) – $12,445

Third District
Pleasure Heights Volunteer Fire Department (Lowell) – $16,074
Fort Smith Emergency Medical Services Ambulance, Inc. (Fort Smith) – $114,744
Bethel Heights Fire Department (Bethel Heights) – $19,950
Huntington Fire Department (Huntington) – $28,673
Central City Volunteer Fire Department (Central City) – $30,302
Crawford County Rural Fire District No. 3 (Mountainburg) – $29,450
Fort Smith Fire Department (Fort Smith) – $95,458

Fourth District
West Logan County/Booneville Rural Volunteer Fire Association (Booneville) – $51,203
El Dorado Fire Department (El Dorado) – $155,382