U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield announced last week that the Russell County Ambulance Service in Kentucky’s First Congressional District has been awarded a regional grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The $953,059 grant is for operations and safety, and will contribute to both Russell County Ambulance Service, and the Adair County Ambulance Service and firefighters.

“These competitive grants help ensure that our first responders have the resources they need to serve our communities,” said Whitfield.

“I congratulate the Russell County Ambulance Service and the Adair County Ambulance Service and firefighters on receiving this award.”

The purpose of the AFG program is to enhance the ability of the fire departments and emergency management services (EMS) organizations that are not affiliated with hospitals to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as first-responder personnel.

Grants are awarded through a competitive process. Applications are reviewed on how the funds will fulfill the top priorities of the AFG program which are operations and safety, and vehicle acquisition.

Russell County EMS Director Terry Hancock said the various agencies were to meet last Friday to determine how the grant money would be appropriated.

The money will help Russell County EMS toward transitions to digital communications to remain in compliance with FCC regulations, according to Hancock, who said he was pleased with the grant following its announcement.

The local agencies will be required to post a 10 percent match based on the amount of federal funding allocated to each department.