The Knoxville Fire Department will receive an Assistance to Firefighter Grant in the amount of $589,032, according to Congressman John Duncan, Jr.

The Knoxville Fire Department applied for a grant, which will be used to install exhaust evacuation equipment in all Knoxville Fire Department stations.

"The equipment will remove vehicle exhaust from the building, providing a cleaner and healthier living environment for Knoxville's firefighters," Fire Chief Carlos Perez said. "We are most thankful for the assistance and support provided by Congressman Duncan and Mayor Haslam."
"This money will be put to good use in our fire halls across the city," added Mayor Bill Haslam. "Congressman Duncan is a strong partner in Washington and we appreciate his work to send federal dollars back to our city."

"This grant was awarded in recognition of the outstanding work done by the firefighters of the City of Knoxville, and I am proud to be associated with such fine men and women," said Duncan.

Congressman Duncan was one of the very first Members of Congress to cosponsor the Fire Act, the legislation which resulted in the first national grant program for fire departments.

The grant is composed of $589,032 from the Federal FIRE Act funds and $147,258 from the City's Capital Budget for a project total of $736,290.

The Assistance to Firefighter Grant program awards grants directly to fire departments of a State to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel, with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to applicants that address AFG program priorities, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate the benefit to be derived from their projects.