From staff reports

The Altus Fire Department will receive $30,600 in federal funds to defray the costs of its firefighting operations.

The funding, which is being administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will be awarded to Altus through a program that allows fire departments to apply for eligible activities in one of four different fire protection programs, according to Third District U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas.

"This is a wonderful Christmas gift," said acting Asst. Fire Chief Tommy Sadler. Sadler said he knew Fire Chief Kenny Ward has applied for the funding, but had not heard Altus had been awarded the funds.

"We're really appreciative to get it," Sadler said. "We can use the money."

"The fire departments in Oklahoma are struggling to protect local residents with a mostly volunteer workforce and shrinking city budgets," Lucas said. "They need all the help the federal government can give them."

The funds will be used to purchase firefighting equipment, including a Jaws of Life apparatus and lightweight firefighting gear.

"I'm sure the residents of Altus are pleased to learn about this as well," Lucas said. "They deserve the peace of mind that their local fire department is prepared for the unexpected."

Altus was among 198 fire departments nationwide that will receive grants in this latest round of awards under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Four Oklahoma fire departments received grants in this round of awards. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by FEMA, which is now part of the Homeland Security Department.

Congressman Lucas voted for the Fiscal Year 2003 Authorization Bill, which authorized the grants to be made directly to local fire departments. In order to adequately fund rural and volunteer fire departments, the grants require that volunteer and combination departments receive a share of the funding in proportion to the population those firefighting departments protect. Volunteer and combination departments make up a vast majority of the firefighters in Congressman Lucas' district, which covers Altus and most of Western Oklahoma.

Earlier this year the Homeland Security Department evaluated approximately 20,000 applications from across the United States. The Altus Fire Department successfully completed this review process.

-- Staff writer Carol Marco

contributed to this story.