Press Releases

Schuylkill County, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded the Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Co. #1 and the McAdoo Fire Company Inc. with Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Co. #1 received a $17,810 Operations and Safety grant. These funds will allow the fire company to purchase ventilation and stabilization equipment for use in fire suppression and rescue efforts. This will provide firefighters with a new generation of rescue tools designed for today’s automotive technology.

The McAdoo Fire Company Inc. received a $5,834 Operations and Safety grant. These funds will allow firefighters to complete a Firefighter I educational course. This training provides entry level conditioning for career or volunteer firefighters. The course is provided through the State Fire Academy.

“I am a proud advocate of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which ensures firefighters and rescue personnel have the equipment and training they need,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “The men and women of the Deer Lake & West Brunswick and McAdoo fire companies risk their lives to keep our communities safe. These funds will support them in this noble work and help keep them safe.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards competitive grants to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public as well as 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.