Fitzpatrick Secures $132,727 for Bensalem Township Fire Rescue

LANGHORNE, PA - Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), announced he has secured $130,727.27 in federal funding for Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

Since 2001, the AFG Program has awarded approximately $8.4 billion in grant funding to provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

This FY23 grant will provide Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department the opportunity for much-needed upgrades and the modernization of their aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)-critical gear that safeguards and ensures our hero firefighters remain safe in hazardous conditions. Commonly known as air packs, SCBAs are crucial for protecting firefighters by providing breathable air in smoke-filled and toxic environments. The new SCBA units feature cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety features that the Department's current gear is not equipped with. The grant funds will facilitate the acquisition of 14 SCBA harnesses, 28 air bottles, 14 facepieces, and a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) pack, which will significantly bolster their firefighting capabilities.

"The funding awarded by FEMA to Bensalem Fire Rescue will keep our firefighters safe and allow them to provide valuable services to our community. We thank Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and his staff for their efforts to secure this much-needed funding," said William McVey, Bensalem Township Public Safety Director.

"We are incredibly thankful to be awarded this grant which will allow us to replace our aging SCBA with the latest version of NFPA compliant SCBA. This equipment is crucial to the safety of our firefighters when responding to critical incidents. We greatly appreciate the continued support from Congressman Fitzpatrick and his staff in helping us obtain this funding," said Battalion Fire Chief Robert Sponheimer, Bensalem Township Fire Rescue.

"As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and a certified EMT, it has been one of my missions in Congress to ensure our hero firefighters have the resources and support they need to protect our community with the utmost safety and effectiveness. The Bensalem Township Fire Rescue's dedication to safeguarding our community is truly remarkable, and it is unacceptable for them to be without the crucial and lifesaving gear they need while putting their lives on the line. Securing this vital funding represents not just an investment in equipment but an investment in the safety of our courageous firefighters and the resilience of our entire community. I am proud to fight for these remarkable men and women and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to develop solutions and provide the support they need in their efforts to serve and protect our community," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

About Bensalem Township Fire Rescue:

With over 60,000 residents and an estimated quarter of a million people during business hours, Bensalem Township is the largest municipality in Bucks County, PA. Established in 2010, Bensalem Township Fire Rescue, BTFR works closely with the six volunteer fire departments located throughout the township. Their missions is to protect their citizens, visitors, and community property from the risk of fire, explosions, and other hazardous conditions through aggressive fire investigations, fire suppression, fire code enforcement, and fire prevention education. BTFR actively participates with the community, serve as mentors and role models, and strive to effectively and efficiently utilize all resources made available, to provide safety and excellent customer service to the citizens and visitors of Bensalem Township and Bucks County.