VFD receives federal grant to purchase fire equipment
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – The borough’s volunteer fire company is poised to receive a $36,450 fire grant in conjunction with the federal Fire Act that will be used to purchase fire safety gear and equipment. Scot Sage, assistant fire chief, said the grant requires a 10-percent match that will be generated through various fund-raisers and donations.
Sage added the fire company initially applied for $40,500 in grants and was surprised to hear of the amount awarded.
According to Sage, the fire company will use the funding to purchase 40 new helmets for each of its active members, along with six breathing units. Sage added the current equipment is six years old and needs to be updated in order to comply with new federal fire safety standards.
State Rep. Larry Roberts (D-Fayette) said South Connellsville is one of 21 fire companies across the state to be awarded a federal fire grant. “The hard working volunteer firefighters throughout our area put their lives on the line every day to protect residents and their property,” said Roberts.
Roberts added that volunteer emergency services save Pennsylvania taxpayers about $6 billion a year.
The grant was authorized through the federal Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act commonly referred to as the Fire Act, in which this year’s grant program allocated $750 million in direct assistance to support the nation’s firefighters and the services they deliver.
To date, Roberts said Pennsylvania has received more than $5.2 million in federal fire grant money for the 2003-2004 year.
While the fire company received various federal grants in prior years, Sage said this year’s amount far exceeds those awarded in the past.
Sage said the fire company expects to receive the grant within the next several weeks and will have until July 2004 to purchase all of the equipment.