Congressman Henry Cuellar today announced that the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program (DHS AFG) has awarded the Laredo Fire Department more than $400,000 for the purchase of safety and firefighting equipment.

Specifically, the grant will be used to purchase breathing apparatuses and wild land firefighting gear that will be used during brush fires.

“As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I know firsthand that we have a duty to ensure that our first responders have the staff and resources they need to fight fires safely and effectively. I congratulate Mayor Raul Salinas, Members of the City Council, and Fire Chief Steve Landin for working hard to obtain these federal dollars,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is a component of the Administration’s larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. Since 2004, AFG has provided almost $2.75 billion to first-responder organizations for the purchase of equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

For more information on grants, please call the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar at (202) 225-1640.  For information on Congressman Henry Cuellar, visit his website at www.cuellar.house.gov.

A formal announcement of the grant is forthcoming.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees in the 111th Congress.  Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

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