SOMERSET, KY -- Congressman Hal Rogers announced today that the Somerset Fire Department has been awarded nearly $430,000 in federal grant funding to hire more professionally trained firefighters. The City of Somerset applied for the grant on behalf of the Somerset Fire Department to hire four new full-time firefighters to help protect the city through FEMA's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. 

"This is great news for the people of Somerset! Not only will additional firefighters help protect homes and businesses, but it could also improve the city's insurance rating, which will result in lower insurance premiums and more money saved," said Congressman Rogers. "As a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been a long-time advocate for federal grant funding to help boost our rural fire departments and first responders. I was proud to support the Somerset Fire Department's grant application, and I applaud their success to improve fire protection for the City of Somerset."

The addition of professionally trained fire fighters will allow the Somerset Fire Departmnet to respond to emergency situations with three engines when necessary. Additional staff will help the department move toward its goal of meeting top federal recommendations for structure fire response. 

"We are always looking for opportunities to make Somerset and Pulaski County a better place to live. We believe this grant will greatly increase our emergency response capability and provide our citizens with safer and more efficient fire and rescue services," said Somerset Fire Chief Tyler Jasper. "I appreciate Congressman Rogers' support for our application and helping us compete at the federal level."

To learn more about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington, DC and across Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov.