WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced Wednesday that five Iowa fire departments have been awarded a total of $941,355 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFT) program. The funding will go to vehicle acquisition, safety, and operations. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which fund the Department of Homeland Security.

“Safety is important to all of Iowa’s communities and our local fire departments play a critical role in that effort,” said Harkin. “These grants will give needed funds to fire departments that will be put to good use, improving safety and operations for the protection of our homes, businesses, and cities.”

Details of the funding are as follows:
Anita Volunteer Fire Department-$213,750 for Vehicle Acquisition
Boone Fire Department-$109,512 for Operations and Safety
Decorah Rural Fire Protective Association-$156,951 for Operations and Safety
Elgin Volunteer Fire Department-$165,681 for Operations and Safety
Ogden Volunteer Fire Department-$295,461 for Operations and Safety