Staff report
The Rockwell Rural Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $72,219 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to buy new turnout gear for firefighters, according to an announcement from U.S. Rep. Howard Coble.
A press release said Rockwell plans to buy 35 new sets of turnout gear and 35 new pagers. The fire department expects to get the money within about 30 days.
Rockwell Rural serves about 10,000 people in its 40-square-mile fire district.
Allen Cress, chief of Rockwell Rural, said this is the second grant the fire department has received from the Assistance to Firefighters program.
In 2003, the first year of the program, Rockwell received $180,000, which went to buy breathing apparatus and and related equipment.
The department is also working on an application for a grant this year.
Coble, a Republican from Greensboro whose district includes part of Rowan County, also announced a grant of $75,582 for Coleridge Volunteer Fire Department in Ramseur.
“I am pleased that fire departments in the 6th District continue to take advantage of this worthwhile program,” Coble said. “These funds allow our first responders to ensure that their own personnel have the latest, up-to-date safety equipment. Having the latest equipment will allow our fire departments to protect and serve their respective communities.”