Press Releases

Landsford, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded a regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the following two fire departments: American Fire Company No. 1, of Landsford, and the Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, of Coaldale. The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The fire companies will receive $81,048 to replace their failing attack and supply hoses. Replacing inoperable or damaged equipment is ranked as a high priority funding need by the grant program.

“First responders regularly put themselves in danger to keep the people and property of our communities safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That is why I am a strong supporter of programs like the AFG, which help our first responders have the equipment and training they need to protect themselves and maintain our protective infrastructure.”

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.