Press Releases

Tobyhanna, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services Inc. with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services Inc. received a $205,233 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the association to purchase battery-powered ambulance automated Power Lift Cots and Lift Systems. This type of equipment is necessary to protect the backs of first responders as they lift and transport patients safely into ambulances. Back injuries are a common cause for workplace injuries in the United States and are a particular problem in EMS. This purchase will better protect Pocono Mountain Regional EMS workers.

“Our brave first responders make sacrifices every day to keep us safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a critical resource to the communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I will continue to support funding that ensures the safety of our men and women who put themselves in harm’s way and the residents they serve.”

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.