Press Releases

Schuylkill County, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to the Ravine Fire Company No. 1, Pine Grove, Friendship Fire Company, Frackville, and Good Will Hose Company, Frackville. The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Ravine Fire Company has been awarded a $185,715 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the fire company to purchase a brush fire truck suitable for rough terrain. This type of fire engine is specifically designed to assist in fighting wildfires by transporting firefighters to the scene and providing them with access to the fire, water, or other equipment.   

The Friendship Fire Company and Good Will Hose Company were awarded $177,143 and will use the AFG funds 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 firefighters work tirelessly every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “I will continue to support this federal program which helps to ensure safety of our communities.”

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.