U.S. Rep. Cartwright Announces $485,715 in DHS Grants for Two Mahanoy City Fire Companies

Pottsville, PA – July 23, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded two Mahanoy City fire companies each with Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Good American Hose Company has been awarded a $428,572 vehicle acquisition grant that will enable the company to purchase a new pumper, a piece of fire apparatus equipped with a water pump and a water tank.

West End Fire and Rescue has been awarded a $57,143 operations and safety grant, which will fund the purchase of twenty-four 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 volunteer firefighters with the Good American Hose Company and West End Fire and Rescue will have the resources they need to promote the health and safety of their respective communities.”

Located in the heart of the anthracite coal region of Schuylkill County, the Mahanoy City Fire Dept. consists of 5 individual, all volunteer, companies and provides primary Fire, Rescue, & EMS services to approximately 5,200 residents of the Borough of Mahanoy City and Mahanoy Township.

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.