Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that seven first responder agencies will be awarded a total of $733,921.38 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Program (AFG) to be used for operations and safety equipment. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Cartwright helped craft legislation that authorized $355 million for the AFG Program in fiscal year 2020.

Additionally, five first responder agencies will receive a total of $24,806.07 through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant – COVID-19 Supplemental Program (AFG-S) to be used for personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential supplies.

“It is my duty to ensure first responders have what they need to keep themselves and our communities safe, especially now when even the most basic call threatens exposure to COVID-19,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I think of these heroes and their families as I press my colleagues to act and provide more support for our public safety infrastructure.”

The following agencies in Northeastern Pennsylvania have received AFG awards:

• Pittston - Pittston Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. - $48,809.52
• Hawley - Hemlock Farms Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company - $117,619.05
• Hazleton - City of Hazleton Fire Department - $59,090.91
• Harding - Harding Fire Company - $61,904.76
• Preston Twp. - Northern Wayne Fire Co. Inc. - $32,252.38
• Nanticoke - City of Nanticoke Fire Department - $260,000.00
• Hanover Twp. - Hanover Township Community Ambulance Assoc. Inc. - $154,244.76

The following agencies in Northeastern Pennsylvania have received AFG-S awards:

• Freeland - Borough of Freeland Fire Department - $8,190.48
• Roaring Brook Twp. - Elmhurst Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Co. - $9,028.48
• Hawley - Forest Volunteer Fire Department - $2,833.33
• Preston Twp. - Northern Wayne Fire Co. Inc. - $2,857.14
• Childs - Meredith Hose Co. - $1,896.64

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

AFG-S is authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Cartwright helped pass in March. It provided $100 million in supplemental FY2020 funding for PPE and essential supplies to the fire service community to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes reimbursement for expenditures made since January 1, 2020. PPE supplies include masks, gloves, gowns, goggles, respirators, and related items.

FEMA is providing an additional opportunity for volunteer and combination fire departments to apply for AFG-S funding. FEMA will provide more information on the application period soon. Interested parties can stay informed by checking the FEMA website at fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters or by following them on Twitter @FEMAGrants.

FEMA is located within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The mission of FEMA is to help people before, during, and after disasters.