Press Releases

Scranton, Pennsylvania – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Mayfield Hose Company No. 1 with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $39,010. The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Hose Company will use the grant award to replace its inventory of both “attack” hoses and “supply” fire hoses, the youngest one of which is 15 years old and fraying. During the past two years, seven of the Company’s older, large-diameter hoses have burst during fire suppression operations.  The Company recently added a brush/forest tanker, and the DHS grant is also meant to equip it with a dedicated hose.

“North Valley residents served by the Mayfield Hose Company can know that their lives and property are protected by a very dedicated group of firefighters who will have updated equipment,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “The new hoses should make their jobs easier and safer.”

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.