Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, together with officials from the City of Schertz, announced the awarding of a federal grant in the amount of $31,041 for the fire department.

The money will fund various equipment purchases for the Fire Department including vehicle stabilization air bags, EMS Rescue equipment, a spreader, a cutter and a power unit.  The grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency FY ‘12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

The fire department was also awarded $400 for shipping.

“I applaud Fire Chief David Covington and all the City of Schertz officials for their strong interest in applying for this grant,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This money is an investment to the community, and what a better way to invest than to provide firefighters the equipment they need in an effort to keep Schertz residents safe.”

“This grant will allow us to purchase much needed equipment for rescuing people from vehicles, and to purchase protective equipment for our firefighters so they can perform their job in a safe and efficient manner,” said David A. Covington, Schertz Fire Department Chief. “The nation’s highways provide a network of travel for commerce, business, and pleasure. Our ability to work safely and efficiently on the highways can help reduce congestion and increase safety for responders and the traveling public.”

For more information on grants, please contact Juan Sanchez at Congressman Cuellar’s office at (202) 225-1640.  For information on Congressman Cuellar, visit his website at www.cuellar.house.gov.