The Menlo Fire and Rescue Department recently received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

Iowa Congressman David Young sits on the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, which authorizes funding through the program, and he announced that Menlo’s fire and rescue department was awarded $18,766. Young said he was pleased the award will benefit the firefighters by making sure the department has the resources to work safely and effectively.

The AFG program awards competitive grants to fire departments and other emergency organizations nationwide, which enables them to maintain necessary equipment, facilities, training, and programs. The program is part of a large preparedness effort in support of the safety, security, and health of the public.