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

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO PRESENTS ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT CHECK TO PITTSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Marion, IL - On Friday, November 12, 2004, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) presented an Assistance to Firefighters grant check to Fire Chief Jim Merrow of the Pittsburg Volunteer Fire Department, Mayor Keith Violet of Pittsburg and other Williamson County officials in the Boardroom of the Williamson County Courthouse located in Marion, Illinois. 

Costello presented Chief Merrow and other local officials with a mock grant check in the amount of $172,800. Pittsburg will use these funds to purchase a new Fire truck 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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