Congressman Mike Michaud has announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Norway Fire Department $199,500 for the purchase of a fire truck. The funding announced today was made possible through DHS's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

"Investments in our fire departments improve public safety by providing the best equipment possible," said Michaud. "With these additional resources, Norway's first responders will be able to better serve and protect the community."

According to DHS, the AFG program is an important component of the larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation's overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Since 2001, AFG has provided approximately $5 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. During fiscal year 2011, AFG will award another $380 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.