Texas fire department receives grant for training, support operations

San Antonio Express-News

LEON VALLEY, Texas — The Leon Valley Fire Department will receive a grant of $24,700 to support firefighters and their work as first responders, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has announced.

The funding can be used for training and support operations, and to purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment. It comes through the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

"This funding will help make sure first responders at the Leon Valley FD have the resources necessary to keep the surrounding community safe," Cornyn said.

"We have a responsibility to support those working on the front lines every day to protect families, homes and property."

The award aims 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.

Cornyn held roundtables with emergency first responders across Texas to provide communities the opportunity to express their needs and concerns directly.

The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local officials to strengthen the capabilities of first responders in addressing emergencies and catastrophic incidents.

The program provides a broad array of assistance to America's emergency responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.

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