Press Releases

Tatamy, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Tatamy Fire Company with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Tatamy Fire Company received a $42,858 Operations and Safety grant. These funds will allow the fire company to replace its air compressor/cascade/fill station, which has some components to it that date back to the 1990s. The purpose of an air cascade system is to refill SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) units following use. 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 Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “We must do anything we can do to help people stay safe from harm, and I am proud to continue to support funding for our local fire departments.”

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.