Anniston, AL – As first reported by ABC 33/40, the city of Anniston will receive $100,363.63 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help purchase new operations and safety equipment.
U.S. Representative Mike Rogers made the announcement Monday. “Calhoun County’s first responders are the first folks that people see in times of crisis,” Rogers said. “This grant will provide the City of Anniston with funding that they need to keep the community safe.”
The Calhoun Journal spoke to Anniston Fire Chief, Jeff Waldrep, who said, “We are going to be able to buy turnout washer and dryers for all our fire stations. This will help us keep the gear clean and aid cancer prevention. Cancer is one of the main issues facing firefighters today.” He also added that they were able to purchase a second set of turnout gear for each firefighter in the station. This allows them to have a clean set while the other is drying.
The grant was awarded under the FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation.
According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the program is to award funding directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.
