10/15/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08), a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $2 million in federal funding to support 20 northeastern Pennsylvania firefighters and first responders through its Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) grant programs.
These grants will allow firefighters throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Wayne counties to be appropriately staffed and equipped with critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
"Our fire departments are a first line of defense, keeping our communities safe and secure. These grants will help ensure these first responders have the personnel, vehicles, training and everyday tools to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and loved ones," said Congressman Cartwright. "I am proud to stand with firefighters and first responders in Congress. On the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue doing everything I can to support our dedicated heroes."
Luzerne County - $948,911 total
The $344,500 in SAFER grants awarded to Luzerne County includes:
Kunkle Fire Company - $344,500 to purchase protective personal equipment and to bolster recruitment and retention programs
The $604,411 in AFG grants awarded to Luzerne County includes:
City of Wilkes-Barre - $37,353 to purchase protective personal equipment gear cleaning equipment
Freeland Fire Department - $117,654 to purchase essential firefighting hoses, nozzles and appliances
Germania Hose Company - $154,286 to purchase 18 self-containing breathing apparatus systems
Hanover Township Fire Department - $95,238 to purchase a source capture exhaust system to improve indoor air quality and reduce occupational hazard risks
Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company - $33,829 to purchase protective personal equipment gear cleaning equipment
Mountain Top Hose Company No. 1 - $66,051 to purchase 18 sets of structural protective personal equipment
Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department - $28,571 to purchase protective personal equipment gear cleaning equipment
Wright Township Volunteer Fire Association - $71,429 to purchase a source capture exhaust system to improve indoor air quality and reduce occupational hazard risks
Lackawanna County - $414,597 total
The $414,597 in AFG grants awarded to Lackawanna County includes:
Archbald Community Ambulance - $53,333 to purchase a source capture exhaust system to improve indoor air quality and reduce occupational hazard risks
Artisan Fire Company, Jermyn - $74,667 to purchase 13 sets of structural protective personal equipment (PPE) and PPE cleaning equipment
City of Scranton - $68,182 to fund physical health exams and cancer screenings for 75 members of the department
Scott Township Hose Company - $180,543 to purchase 18 self-containing breathing apparatus and six portable radios to improve on-scene communications
Taylor Fire and Rescue - $24,762 to purchase protective personal equipment gear cleaning equipment
Wilson Fire Company No. 1, Peckville - $13,110 to purchase protective personal equipment gear cleaning equipment
Monroe County - $158,487 total
The $158,487 in AFG grants awarded Monroe County includes:
Pocono Mountain Regional EMS - $158,487 to purchase one automatic chest compression device and two defibrillators
Wayne County - $530,953 total
The $371,965 in SAFER grants awarded to Wayne County includes:
Honesdale Hose Company No. 1 - $371,965 to purchase 15 sets of protective personal equipment and bolster training, recruitment and retention programs
The $158,988 in AFG grants awarded Wayne County includes:
Browndale Fire Company No. 1 - $22,857 to purchase protective personal equipment gear cleaning equipment
Gouldsboro Volunteer Fire Company - $67,286 to purchase essential firefighting hoses, nozzles and appliances
Shohola Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue- $68,845 to purchase essential firefighting hoses, nozzles and appliances
The AFG and SAFER programs are administered by FEMA to ensure that local fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations have the personnel, resources and equipment they need to protect communities and emergency personnel from fires and other related hazards.
More information on the AFG and SAFER programs is available at FEMA.gov.