December 1, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-48) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org MOBILE FIRE-RESCUE RECEIVES FIRE ACT GRANT Officials with Mobile Fire-Rescue Department received notification from U.S. Senator Richard Shelby's office that it has been awarded a Fire Act Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $907,936.00. The City of Mobile will match with 20% of that amount, which has already been budgeted. The grant money will be used to purchase emergency, natural gas with an automatic switch, generators for 15 of the 17 fire stations presently without back-up generators. The department will also replace half of the outdated turnout/firefighter gear (fire coats, bunker pants, boots, helmets etc). The department will also be purchasing reflective safety vest for personnel to be worn when working incidents on the interstates and other roadways. The grant will also enable the department to continue funding it's on-going Wellness/Fitness program for a third year. ###