Federal Aid Given to Alabama Town to Rebuild After Twister

A town near Birmingham, Ala., is getting federal money to help rebuild its fire department after a tornado.

Congressman Spencer Bachus says the Kimberly Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant totaling $50,825.

The money will go to purchase 20 sets of protective gear. That includes coats, helmets, pants, boots and other gear.

A tornado ripped through the Jefferson County town on April 28, destroying the fire station while firefighters took shelter inside.

Chief Brian Gober says the department actually applied for the money before the twister, and the grant will now help with the rebuilding process.