U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, has announced that the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant of $69,825.

That Assistance to Firefighters Grant is part of the operations and safety program, according to a statement released on Monday, and will be used to help purchase new protective gear for the LTVFD.

“The first-responders in Northwest Indiana do a great service to our communities by protecting our citizens,” Visclosky said. “I am pleased that the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department will be receiving this support as part of their efforts to serve Northwest Indiana.”

“The Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to over 700 calls last year, and our existing protective gear has seen wear and tear,” LTVFD Chief Bill Branham said. “Thanks to Congressman Visclosky’s support of our grant request, our firefighters will have new bunker gear to keep them safe, the department will have improved morale, and the community will be better served.”

Posted 8/21/2007