U.S. Rep. Cartwright Announces $35,715 in DHS Grant Awarded to Delaware Water Gap Fire Department

Easton, PA – August 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the Delaware Water Gap Fire Department with an Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The department has been awarded a $35,715 Operations and Safety grant, which will fund the purchase of 15 complete sets of turnout gear, or personal protective clothing. The equipment is used to protect firefighters during a fire event.

“All of our firefighters work tirelessly every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “This grant will help ensure that firefighters with the Delaware Water Gap Fire Department will have the resources they need to promote the health and safety of their respective 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 $6.1 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 $304.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.