Press Releases

Eighth Congressional District, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced three Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to help local fire companies purchase much-needed personal protective equipment to keep them safe.

The following companies will receive a total of $127,461.90 in federal funds:

• Ledgedale Volunteer Hose Company will receive $76,033.33 to purchase 19 face pieces separate from the 11 SCBA units that include    harness/backpack, face piece, and 2 cylinders they are able to purchase.
  
• Hughestown Hose Co #1 will receive $47,142.86 to purchase 15 complete sets of turnout gear.
  
• Honesdale Hose Company No. 1 will receive $4,285.71 to purchase 12 face pieces.

“For far too long, both paid and volunteer Fire and EMS Companies across Northeastern Pennsylvania have seen a decline in personnel,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It is imperative we support our first responders, who perform invaluable work for their communities each day, with the necessary equipment they need to do their job and stay safe. I thank the first responders for their dedication and will continue to advocate for federal funding.”

This grant will be awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The purpose of FEMA’s AFG program 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 almost $10 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.