For Release: Monday, November 15, 2004
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO PRESENTS ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT CHECK TO EWING NORTHERN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Benton, IL - On Friday, November 12, 2004 U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) presented an Assistance to Firefighters grant check to Fire Chief Monty Rea of the Ewing Northern Fire Protection District and to Williamson and Franklin County officials in the Boardroom of the Franklin County Courthouse located on the square in Benton, Illinois.  

Costello presented Chief Rea with a mock grant check in the amount of $115,677. The Ewing Fire District will use these funds to purchase new bunker gear, hoses and a thermal imaging camera for the department.

The Assistance to Firefighters Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The program seeks to enhance the ability of local fire departments to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities. Costello cosponsored the legislation that created the Assistance to Firefighters program.

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