By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Fire Department has learned that it will be the new recipient of a much needed new emergency medical/operations vehicle through a grant received from the Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Gary Palmer announced on Aug. 31 that the Helena Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters grant for $176,191. The department’s application competed against thousands through a peer review process for a portion of federal funding.

“The grant will allow us to purchase a new rescue truck that will advance our special operations and emergency medical capabilities in the event of inclement weather, disaster or mass casualty incident,” said Helena Fire Chief John Wilder. “We would like to thank U.S. Representative Palmer for his support of this beneficial grant.”

The $176,191 awarded to the Helena Fire Department will be used in the event of a natural disaster, mass casualty incident or other general emergency medical needs. The unit will also be used at public events to ensure the necessary resources are available to assist the public in the event of medical emergencies.

“I am grateful for the efforts of the Helena Fire Department,” said Palmer. “I am pleased they were successful in this competitive grant process. I know this grant will be used to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and enhance their ability to respond to fire and related emergency situations.”

Funds awarded under the Assistance for Firefighters Grant program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical services organizations.  Only the applications most closely conforming to program priorities are considered and scored by peer review panels.

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.