Monticello Fire Dept. receives grant money

The Monticello Fire Department is among departments across the state that were recently awarded Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) money through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The local department was awarded $28,382 for vehicle acquisition.

Nationally, the AFG awards in 2007, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources for our nation's firefighters," said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. "From the purchase of equipment to first responder training, the AFG program has helped improve response capabilities and saved lives and property in communities throughout the United States."