Fire company receive grant
LUZERNE TWP. – The Tower Hill 2 Volunteer Fire Co. is getting a federal grant for $46,053 to help with the purchase of new equipment. The grant was obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration through U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.
Tower Hill 2 fire Capt. Louis Scotantino said the money will be used to purchase new equipment for the firefighters, including self-contained breathing apparatus, coats, boots, hats and gloves.
“We have 20 members. It costs $5,000 to 6,000 to outfit each firefighter,” Scotantino said.
Scotantino said he wasn’t certain when the fire department would be receiving the funds.
The Tower Hill 2 fire department was in the first wave of grants approved this year for the Assistance to Firefighters grant program.
So far, 219 grants have been approved nationwide.
The federal government is expected to distribute 7,000 grants worth $750 million, more than twice the $360 million handed out last year.
“Our volunteer firemen are dedicated and they lay their lives on the line to save the lives and property of others. These grants help to upgrade equipment and training, and address other needs that make the business a little less dangerous for these brave firefighters,” Murtha said.
In addition to the firefighting grants, Murtha said the Department of Justice this week approved a $49.2 million grant to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency through the 2003 State Homeland Security Grant Program.
The grant will allow PEMA to support first responder preparedness and offset the cost of enhanced security at water and power plants during periods of heightened threats.