SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $18,000 FOR ASHLAND POLICE DEPT. & WESTBROOK FIRE DEPT.

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins today announced that the Ashland Police Department and the Westbrook Fire Rescue Department will receive a total of $18,320 in funding for first responder equipment. The funding is awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program. CEDAP provides equipment and training to first responder agencies in small and rural communities. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over DHS.

"This funding is targeted specifically for first responders in small and rural communities, to make sure they have access, are able to purchase, and have the proper training to use the specialized equipment and technologies that are often more readily available to larger and more urban departments. The program helps local police, fire, and rescue departments to respond to the unique needs of their communities," said Senator Collins.

Senator Collins announced the following awards:

• Ashland Police Department - $3,700 for a Night Vision Kit • Westbrook Fire Rescue Department - $14,620 for a Search Camera Victim Locator System

The CEDAP program is based on legislation introduced by Senator Collins last year. The program was funded by legislation introduced by Senator Collins as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

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