Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) announced a $12,400 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant to the Grover Rural Volunteer Fire Department to address fire safety and prevention needs.

“I am very pleased to see the Grover Rural Volunteer Fire Department receive this federal grant,” said Congressman McHenry. “It will enable the department to continue developing programs that demonstrate the best practices for preventing fires in our homes and communities.”

The grant comes in the second round of the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program (FP&S), which aims to help fire departments better educate and prepare their communities to prevent fires in their homes, schools and workplaces. The program is administered by the DHS Preparedness Directorate’s Office of Grants Training.

Thirty-two fire departments in the Tenth District have received federal grants from the DHS during the 2005 cycle, bringing the total amount awarded to $2,742,769 since the Congressman took office. This is the second Tenth District fire department to receive an FP&S grant this year. Cleveland County leads the district in Homeland Security grants to fire departments, with seven departments receiving either Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) or FP&S grants.