U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Aug. 29 that the Leander Fire Department will receive a federal grant worth $1.4 million as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program.

The grant funds the hiring of firefighters and recruiting of volunteer firefighters, according to a statement from Cornyn’s office.

"The timing of this grant award is perfect," Leander Fire Chief Bill Gardner told Community Impact Newspaper. "Besides being one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, Leander also remains one of the safest because of our commitment to public safety operations."

Gardner said the city has been awarded $3.4 million in federal grants since 2007.

"As we prepare to open a fifth fire station, I’m excited to see our fire protection and emergency response continue to improve as a result," he said.