Cartwright Announces $300,001 in DHS Grants for Two Schuylkill County Fire Departments
Pottsville, PA – April 23, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded two Schuylkill County fire departments each with Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFGs). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Good Will Hose Company No. 1 in Frackville has been awarded $140,477, which will enable the purchase of 47 portable radios and 10 mobile radios for vehicles.
Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Co. #1 in Orwigsburg has been awarded $159,524, which will enable the purchase of 49 portable radios and 15 mobile radios for vehicles.
Both departments are hosts of Regional Applications on behalf of various other Schuylkill County fire departments. The funds will allow all departments in the equipment distribution the ability to continue to upgrade their mobile radio systems from analog to digital, ensuring regional interoperability.
“Our local first responders provide an invaluable service to their respective communities, helping keep our citizens safe from harm,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “This is a competitive grant process, and the allocation of these well-deserved funds will help enhance the safety of our local firefighters while they continue to protect the residents of Frackville, Orwigsburg, and the balance of the county from fire-related harm.”
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 $6.1 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 $304.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.
