Congressman Spencer Bachus announced Feb. 1 that the Isabella Fire and Rescue Company in Maplesville has been awarded a $213,750 federal fire grant for the purchase of a new fire truck.

“Firefighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property,” Bachus said. “They deserve modern equipment and the best in safety gear. The Isabella Fire and Rescue Company is to be commended for its outstanding service to citizens of the community.”

The grant is a vehicle acquisition grant for the purchase of a new fire pumper tanker with enhanced water transport and firefighting capabilities.

“This new fire vehicle is a needed piece of equipment for our community,” Isabella Fire Chief Brent Conway said. “We thank Congressman Bachus for his help and support.”

Funds awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated medical services organizations.

Only the applications most closely conforming to program priorities are considered and scored by peer review panels.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security administers the AFG program.