WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded three Kansas fire departments selected to receive FY2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards.

"This is great news for our Kansas communities; we all know that it is essential to properly fund our Kansas first-responders," said Brownback.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program nationally offers funding for community fire departments and emergency medical services. These grants ensure crucial funding that is essential for the acquisition and maintenance of emergency vehicles, protective equipment, training in operations and safety, and the hiring of firefighters.

Kansas award grantees for this round are:

• Mission Township Fire Department, Topeka: $190,610

• Fairmount Township Fire Department, Basehor: $216,760

• Grandview Plaza Volunteer Fire Department, Grandview Plaza: $22,082