The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has handed out approximately $800,000 to local volunteer fire departments over the past few weeks.

On Sept. 10, U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers announced that the West Chambers County Volunteer Fire Department received $257,142.85 from the department. The terms of the grant were to use the money to purchase a new vehicle for West Chambers.

On Sept. 17, Rodgers announced that Five Points would receive $183,799.04 to help purchase new operating and safety equipment. Five Points Fire Chief Joseph Daniel said the department has been awarded another grant for about $248,000 for a new fire truck.

On Tuesday, Rogers said that Fredonia would receive a grant for $333,333.33 for a new vehicle, new operational equipment and new safety equipment.

Rogers said the approximate $800,000 in grants should be awarded under the 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, a federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation.

“Chambers County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said.

We would like to applaud Rogers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for helping upgrade the resources that our local first responders have at their disposal now.

The new materials should only help keep the community safe as well as increase the efficiency of the aforementioned departments.

All first responders make great sacrifices for the greater good of the community, but volunteer first responders simply do it out of the love of their hearts.

These men and women should be recognized and appreciated by the members of their community that they keep safe.

These grants will ensure that local volunteer fire departments have the tools and equipment they need to help families in our community when they need help.

That’s a good thing for everyone.