By Alabama Public Radio
Washington, DC – The city of Calera has received federal funding to buy a new fire fighting vehicle. Congressman Spencer Bachus says the city will get more than 174-thousand dollars from the Homeland Security Department. Bachus says the Calera Fire Department needed the equipment enhance its fire and medical response capabilities. On a related note, U-S Senator Richard Shelby's office released a statement Wednesday saying the Mobile County Water, Sewer and Fire Protection Authority will receive 225 thousand dollars, also to help purchase fire fighting vehicles. These money will be used to buy several types of vehicles, including trucks, ambulances and fireboats. According to the release, the money comes from the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will distribute 750 million dollars in direct federal assistance to firefighters across the country this year.