ANNISTON, Ala. — The director of homeland security in Alabama says efforts to prevent or respond to a terrorist attack or natural disaster in rural America could be hampered by manpower and funding shortages.

Jim Walker told a subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security that small-town firefighters and police are often unable to receive training available to those in urban areas.

Walker told the panel Tuesday in Anniston that rural law enforcement agencies often have only one person at each position and can’t send anyone to training sessions. Walker also said fewer people are choosing to work as police officers or firefighters.