Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, met with representatives from the Montana State Firemen’s Association and the Montana State Council of Professional Firefighters to discuss firefighter safety and the role federal fire grants play in keeping Montanans safe. Federal funding plays a crucial role in helping local communities purchase the safest equipment and hire the necessary manpower to work it.

“Anyone who’s experienced an emergency like the recent explosion in Bozeman knows that help is on the way when we hear those fire sirens coming,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee which funds all federal grant programs. “But emergencies don’t have to make national news to highlight the importance of local firefighters, and I’ll continue to use the full extent of my influence on the Appropriations Committee to make sure that community fire departments get the federal dollars they need.”

Many federal fire grants require local communities to match a percentage of the federal funding to demonstrate a level of community buy-in. When community revenues drop, as a result of a lagging economy, communities are forced to turn away federal assistance – at a time when they need it the most. Rehberg was told about the challenge this creates for firefighters across the state, particular in more urban areas where fire departments are often understaffed.

“Everyone knows the Appropriations Committee is where you get the money – and Denny’s position on that committee is crucial,” said Rick Ryan, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Montana State Firemen’s Association. “We came to talk about the importance of grant funds for Montana’s firefighters – federal grants mean newer, safer equipment and more firefighters. That’s good-paying jobs for Montana and increased safety for our communities.”

Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg meets with Montana Firefighters Chass Perkins (left) and Rick Ryan (right) in his Washington, D.C. office.