Denison’s fire department is set to receive $74,478 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, according to a statement released Thursday by Senator John Cornyn’s office. The grant is one of five awarded to North Texas fire departments, together totaling $2,574,956.
The distribution of the federal funds, as reported by Denison Weekly, includes $1,550,695 for Fort Worth, $807,272 for Cooper, $80,511 for Van Alstyne, $62,000 for Krum, and the $74,478 earmarked for Denison Fire Rescue.
Senator Cornyn’s statement explained that the Assistance to Firefighters Grants can be used for recruiting and training new firefighters, conducting community fire‑prevention programs, enhancing emergency‑response capabilities, and replacing or upgrading fire‑department equipment. The statement did not specify which items Denison plans to purchase with the grant and provided no timeline for spending.
The program is distinct from FEMA’s SAFER grants, which specifically cover a portion of the cost of hiring firefighters. By separating the two programs, FEMA offers departments flexibility to address both personnel needs and equipment upgrades.
While the exact use of the $74,478 has not been detailed, the grant’s allowable purposes give Denison Fire Rescue a range of options to strengthen its services for local families and businesses. The department’s receipt of federal assistance underscores the broader effort to support municipal fire agencies across North Texas.
What’s next: Denison Fire Rescue has not announced a specific spending plan or timeline for the grant. The department may release further details as it determines how best to apply the funds to recruitment, training, fire‑prevention outreach, or equipment upgrades.
Sources: denisonweekly.news
