Brian Fitzpatrick

08/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/30/2024 07:31

Fitzpatrick Secures Vital Funding for Newportville Fire Company’s Groundbreaking Safety Initiative

Congressman Fitzpatrick has now delivered over $1.6 Million in crucial FY23 funding to local fire departments, EMS, and rescue squads.

LANGHORNE, PA - Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced that he has secured $19,047.61 for Newportville Fire Company through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

Fitzpatrick also recentlysecured$130,000+ for Bensalem Township Fire Rescue, $160,000+ for Sellersville Fire Department,$90,000+ for Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad, $43,000+ for Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS,$251,000+ for Richlandtown Fire Company, $613,363.63 for Edgely Fire Company, $302,347.27 for Quakertown Fire Department, and $48,393.33 for Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Companythroughfederal funding.

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.

With the FY23 funding:

  • The Newportville Fire Company will create a "Smoke House" Sensory Room as part of its ongoing mission to educate the community on fire prevention and safety. This initiative will ensure that children and adults with special needs and different abilities can actively participate in critical fire prevention education in a thoughtfully designed environment tailored to their unique needs, comfort, and safety.
  • The Fire Company will purchase smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to provide to the community at Open Houses and to community members in need.

"The Newportville Fire Company is blessed to receive this grant that will help us further our mission of protecting our neighbors. Fire prevention has long been a cornerstone of our community outreach, bringing families together each year to learn critical safety measures. Our unwavering goal is to ensure that everyone in our community is equipped with the knowledge to act swiftly in an emergency and to alleviate any fears they may have. Through our experience hosting numerous prevention and safety events, we've recognized the unique needs of individuals with special needs and abilities in our community. These individuals require a quieter, sensory-friendly environment-free from the overwhelming sights and sounds-where they can take in this vital information at their own pace. This grant will enable us to meet these needs by creating an ADA-compliant "Smoke House" Sensory Room, complete with tailored sensory activities and tools that make fire prevention education accessible and engaging for all. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Fitzpatrick and FEMA for this opportunity, which allows us to continue reaching new heights in our commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone in our community," said Chief Fred Black of Newportville Fire Company.

"For decades, Newportville Fire Company has consistently exemplified extraordinary dedication and service in protecting our community. This grant further highlights their ongoing commitment to enhancing safety through innovation. By creating a thoughtfully designed, sensory-friendly environment, they are ensuring that every individual in our community, regardless of ability, has access to vital life-saving fire safety and prevention education. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, I commend Newportville Fire Company for their visionary leadership and am honored to support this transformative community-driven initiative," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

About Newportville Fire Company:

Since 1927, the Newportville Fire Company has proudly served the Newportville community with unwavering commitment and professionalism. Their mission is not only to protect lives and property but also to educate and engage with the community through various outreach programs and events. From fire prevention education to community support initiatives, they strive to make Newportville a safer and stronger place for all.

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