Washington, DC, Oct 16, 2006 - U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) announced that the Oak Dale Volunteer Fire Department in Stephenville has been awarded a $34,200 grant as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. This Operations and Safety grant will allow the Oak Dale Volunteer Fire Department to enhance the safety of the citizens and firefighters in Erath County regarding fire and fire-related hazards.

“The Oak Dale Volunteer Fire Department has worked tirelessly to protect the people of Erath and surrounding counties. The citizens who volunteer were instrumental in handling the horrific fires that ripped through Central Texas earlier this year, and I commend them for going above and beyond to protect their community,” Congressman Carter said. “These federal funds will allow the Oak Dale Fire Department to receive the resources they need to better serve their communities.”

Under Secretary for Preparedness George Foresman said, “The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has been instrumental in building capacity and has provided needed resources for our nation’s firefighters. From the purchase of equipment to first responder training, the AFG program has had an immensely positive impact on fire related initiatives which has directly resulted in saving lives and property in communities throughout the United States.”

The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Grants and Training in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.