WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-N.C.) today announced that three fire departments in Eastern North Carolina will receive funding for safety equipment and operations through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

“As many local governments struggle under tight budget constraints, this funding will give a boost to Eastern North Carolina fire departments and help ensure that our firefighters are always well equipped to protect our families and stay safe on the job,” said Hagan. “Our firefighters and first responders are some of the bravest men and women I know, and I thank them for their strong commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

Recipients are: Swansboro Fire Department, Swansboro – $98,154; Sunset Harbor and Zion Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Bolivia – $61,821; and Chocowinity Fire District Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Chocowinity – $7,125.