Grant to help Arkansas Rural, Volunteer Fire Agencies

Members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation have announced a $335,250 grant to help rural and volunteer firefighters in the state.

U.S. Rep. Mike Ross and Sen. Mark Pryor, both D-Ark., said Wednesday that the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association will receive the money as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, program.

Funds under the SAFER program are intended to support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

Officials say the goal of the SAFER grant is to enhance the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.