The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released the eighth round of Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards for FY '06, naming 112 departments and districts throughout the United States as recipients. The grants total more than $8.9 million.

The largest grant announced was for Birmingham (Ala.) Fire Rescue, which will receive $871,084. A complete list of FY '06 AFG recipients is available at www.firegrantsupport.com.

DHS also announced the ninth round of FY '06 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants. Sixteen agencies were named recipients of awards totaling $4.7 million.

Those receiving the largest grants included the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Fire Department, $931,500; Desoto (Texas) Fire Rescue, $621,000; and the West Chester (Ohio) Township Fire Department, which also will receive $621,000. A complete list of FY '06 SAFER grant recipients is available at www.firegrantsupport.com.