WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced over $125,000 in grants were awarded to four Kansas fire departments 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 rural Kansas. It’s imperative to support our local fire departments."

• Claflin Fire Department: $17,290 for Fire Operations and Safety
• Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department: $33,250 for Fire Operations and Safety
• El Dorado Fire Department: $29,925 for Fire Operations and Safety
• Frontenac Fire Rescue: $45,000 for Recruitment

The funds were awarded by the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the nation.