WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) today announced a $518,400 grant to the Kansas State Firefighters Association to improve homeland security.

Senator Roberts said, "I am pleased to announce these funds, which are vital to improve firefighting efforts and first responder needs in Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments."

The funds were awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.

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