BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced that two North Dakota fire departments have been awarded Assistance to Firefighter grants.

The Bismarck Fire Protection District received $23,122 for operations and safety.

"We will be purchasing a thermal imaging camera and some other needed equipment that we haven't been able to budget for," said Al Klein, Fire Chief. "This grant definitely helps us out a lot."

The Reeder Fire District was awarded $74,005 also for operations and safety.

These grants bring the total awarded to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in North Dakota to over $24 million since 2001. In fiscal year 2008, North Dakota has so far received over $3.9 million. Nationally the AFG program will ultimately award around $500 million in FY 2008.

AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles. AFG also supports regional projects in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from activities implemented with grant funds.

The full list of FY 2008 AFG recipients and other information is posted on the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com).