MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby R-Ala., a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $60,000 to Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department.  The funding is provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“This important grant will help Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department recruit and retain firefighters so it will be adequately prepared to respond to any emergency,” Shelby said.  “Our nation’s firefighters are true first responders and it is critical that they have the resources and personnel necessary to fully protect our communities.”

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded these funds as a part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program. 

SAFER is a part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which will distribute $500 million in direct federal assistance this year to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations nationwide.