Cong. Mike Rogers announced last week that the McCords Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will receive a $48,308 grant to help purchase new fire safety and operations equipment.

The grant, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will help support firefighting efforts in the area and provide critical support to local first responders.

The Cherokee County Rescue Squad also received $11,400.

“Cherokee County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of the McCords Volunteer Fire Department for receiving this grant, and hope it will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.”

Rogers said funding for the grant is included under the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation. Included under the Operations and Firefighter Safety initiative is training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

“I would also like to thank State Sen. Gerald Dial and State Rep. Richard Lindsey and Larry Means for their assistance with this project,” Rogers said.

Rogers is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Manage-ment, Integration and Oversight on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress. “I am pleased to see the Federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in East Alabama,” he added