SAMPLE STANDARD NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Bundersmooch, East Penn Division of Forestry. Phone 555-555-1234

RURALVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANT

The Ruralville volunteer fire department has received State approval for a Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant this year, according to Department of Natural Resources Director Joe Bundersmooch.

The grants, made available through the Federal Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, will total $91,000 statewide this year. Ruralville will receive $3,000 of the total. Funding for VFA comes from the USDA Forest Service. The Forest Service then awards a grant to the State Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, which administers the program and approves the grants to local fire departments. "The money is used to organize, train, and equip fire departments for the purposes of preventing and suppressing fires in rural areas," said Bundersmooch. "This is a great way for the Division of Forestry to encourage volunteer fire departments to strive for improved services." According to Fire Chief "Smokey" Firestomper, Ruralville will purchase three handheld radios to improve communication at fires and other emergencies. Eligible applicants serve rural areas and communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer inhabitants. Fire departments approved for funding must match at least 50 percent of the total project cost with local funding.

The VFA Program, funded since 1975, has provided approximately $2,100,000 for projects throughout the State. Fire departments interested in applying for grants should contact Bundersmooch at: Division of Forestry, 99966 Loose Rock Road, Puckerlip, EP 00000. Telephone: 555-555-1234.