Congressman Spencer Bachus announced the Thorsby Fire Department has been awarded a $60,268 federal fire grant to purchase communications and protective equipment.

“Firefighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property,” said Bachus. “They deserve modern equipment and the best in safety gear.  This program helps ensure that fire companies have the necessary resources to quickly and effectively respond to emergency calls. The Thorsby Fire Department is to be commended for qualifying for this grant.”

The operations and safety grant will be used to replace 20 firefighters’ equipment that was purchased in 1996, and communication devices.

“These are tough times for everyone, so these grants will really help the fire department in Thorsby,” said Fire Chief Lee Gunn. “It has been several years since we received a fire grant and it was time to replace this equipment.  There would be no way to replace this gear without this grant and the support of Congressman Bachus. This gear will make the job safer for our young firefighters.”

The department applied for the federal fire grant in May 2010.

“I really appreciate Spencer Bachus because without his help and support we would not have received this grant,” said Gunn. “It is going to help greatly because it will relieve $60,268 that the city is not going to have to put in and will help us relieve money into other areas of the city.”

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 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.