Press Releases

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

The Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company received a $221,091 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the fire company to purchase 38 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. Each unit will include: harness/backpack, face piece, and two cylinders. This type of equipment is worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an immediate dangerous-to-life or health atmosphere. 

“I am thankful the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company will be able to purchase the needed SCBA units; it is of vital importance to have high quality equipment,” Rep. Cartwright said, a member of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus. “I will continue to strongly support this federal program which helps to ensure the safety of our firefighters and communities.”

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.