Cartwright Announces Nearly $330K in FEMA Funds for Three Fire Departments in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a total of $329,384 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds for three fire departments in northeastern Pennsylvania.  The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

The Laflin Borough Volunteer Fire Company in Laflin, PA has been awarded $20,634 to help purchase ten sets of outer protective clothing.  The Yorkville Hose and Fire Company No. 1 in Pottsville, PA has been awarded $256,500, which will enable the City of Pottsville to upgrade their mobile radio system from analog to digital with the purchase of 95 mobile radios.  The Tuscarora Fire Company in Tuscarora, PA has been awarded $52,250 to help purchase eight self-contained air packs.

“Our local first responders provide an invaluable service to their respective communities, helping keep our citizens safe from harm,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.  “The allocation of these well-deserved funds will help enhance the safety of our local firefighters while they continue to protect and defend northeastern Pennsylvanians from fire-related dangers.”

The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.  Since 2001, AFG has provided approximately $5.6 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.