Department of Homeland Security Grants Awarded

The Gadsden/Etowah Count Emergency Management Agency would like to recognize the Etowah County communities who were recently awarded Department of Homeland Security Grants.

In total, $89, 373 was awarded to the following departments in Etowah County: Ballplay #1 Volunteer Fire Department (Chief Blain Pitts), Altoona Volunteer Fire Department (Chief Tim Crow), and Coates Bend Volunteer Fire Department (Chief Michael Prickett).

This money will go towards interoperable communications, mass care, and CBRNE response. These awards promote emergency preparedness in each community and, in turn, make Etowah County better prepared for all hazards it faces. Congratulations to all communities awarded! Thank you, Alabama Department of Homeland Security Director Shirrell Roberts and The Alabama Department of Homeland Security, for the awards that will make our county a safer place.

Deborah Gaither, Etowah County Department of Homeland Security Point of Contact and Gadsden/Etowah Emergency Management Agency Director stated; “Congratulations to these departments! It is a win-win county wide, since anything that enhances response and safety for one department in Etowah County becomes a resource for other departments and agencies.  Mutual Aid allows use during a potential county wide or local large scale Homeland Security response or incident.  This is exciting news for all.”

For more information, contact the EMA at (256) 549-4575