Press Releases

Schuylkill County, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Alert Fire Company No. 1 with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Alert Fire Company No. 1 received an $74,286 Operations and Safety grant. These funds will allow the fire company to purchase 12 self-contained breathing Apparatus (SCBA); each unit will include a harness/backpack, face piece and two air cylinders. SCBA units are worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air.

“Our brave firefighters and other emergency personnel confront danger on a regular basis in order to keep our communities safe from harm,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program continues to be a critical resource to firefighters and communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I will continue to advocate for federal programs that protect and saves lives.”

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.