Press Releases

Delaware Water Gap, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded the Delaware Water Gap Fire Department with a $63,009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Delaware Water Gap Fire Department will use these funds to replace obsolete hydraulic tools and to purchase much-needed rescue equipment. New tools are needed to spread, pierce, and push the resistant metals in today’s automobiles.

“Residents served by the Delaware Water Gap Fire Department know their lives are in good hands should an emergency occur,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I am a vocal supporter of programs like the AFG, which help to ensure our first responders have the equipment and training they need to save lives and to keep people and property safe.”

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, the AFG program has provided approximately $7.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.