WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to help improve Jamestowns emergency response capabilities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is awarding the Jamestown Fire Department $71,255 in federal funds for training, equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities. The federal funding comes from the fiscal year (FY) 2006 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill which Reed supported. "This grant is evidence of the tremendous work that the Jamestown Fire Department is doing to serve the community. This money will help them continue their important work protecting the Jamestown community," said Reed. "Our firefighters do an outstanding job protecting our communities and the federal government should do its part to make sure they have all the protective gear and equipment they need to do their job." The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities. This program supports local departments by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel. This award will be used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fund fire fighter health and safety programs, acquire new firefighting equipment, enhance EMS programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs. In February, Reed hosted his annual workshop to assist Rhode Island fire departments that are interested in applying for the grants. Last year, over $1.7 million was awarded to local fire departments across Rhode Island through the program. Communities including Lonsdsale, Quinnville and Central Falls have also won awards from the federal program since Reed began his workshops.