Press Releases

Frackville, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded the Altamont Fire Company with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Altamont Fire Company received a $85,715 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the fire company to purchase Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. Each unit will include: harness/backpack, face piece, and two cylinders. This type of equipment is worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an immediate dangerous-to-life or health atmosphere. 

“Our nation’s firefighters are on the front lines protecting families and communities every day but they can’t do their job without resources” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “It is our responsibility to ensure fire departments and emergency personnel across our nation have the equipment and support they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. Today’s grant will help meet that goal.”

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 $6.7 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

During the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award another $310.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.