1-5-05 -The Randolph Volunteer Fire Department has received a grant of $78,000 from the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

With FY04 funds, $745 million will be awarded to several thousand fire departments. The Randolph Volunteer Fire Department will use funds for a new Quick Response Firetruck to replace outdated firetrucks being used now. "This grant will help us to achieve our goal of providing quick and efficient emergency response to the citizens of our coverage area and in mutual aid situations with neighboring departments," said Rodney Blackerby, Chief of the Randolph Volunteer Fire Department.

“We recognize the importance of the Fire Act Grants to our nation’s fire departments and we will continue to work closely with the fire service community to meet their needs,” said C. Suzanne Mencer, Director of Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP).

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs in local departments.

“In this nation, far too many individuals lose their lives or are injured by fire. Among these victims are firefighters, who provide emergency response services to their fellow residents,” said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. “The nation’s firefighters and American homes are safer today through this important grant program.”