Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $39,444 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds to the Fairview Hose Co. No. 2 in Jim Thorpe.

“The Fairview Hose Co. No. 2 deservedly received this competitive grant, which will enable the fire department to purchase several sets of turnout gear, helping increase the safety of its firefighters,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

The Fairview Hose Co. No. 2 will use the funds to purchase new personal protective equipment, including 15 helmets, 15 pants, 15 coats, 15 boots, 13 hoods, and 10 gloves.  This new equipment will replace the fire departments’ out-of-date gear.

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, AFG has provided approximately $5.6 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.