Local fire companies awarded grants
U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) said Wednesday that several local fire companies have been awarded grants in the first round of the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. “I’m pleased that so many departments in the district will receive awards that will not only help them do their jobs more safely and efficiently, but also ease some of the heavy financial burdens that today’s fire companies face when they need to upgrade equipment, ” Murtha said. “We owe these firefighters a debt of gratitude for their unselfish service and sacrifices they make to protect the lives and property of their friends and neighbors.”
The U.S. Fire Administration administers the Assistance to Firefighters program. Funds are used for operations and firefighter safety programs, such as training, equipment and personal protective equipment; wellness and fitness; and modifications to fire stations and facilities. Funds also can be used for the purchase of firefighting vehicles such as pumpers, brush trucks, rescue vehicles and ambulances.
The volunteer fire departments receiving grants are as follows:
Fayette County – Hiller, $144,400, vehicle acquisition, and New Haven Hose, $107,540, operations and safety
Greene County – Richhill Township, $171,000, vehicle acquisition
Washington County – Allenport, $16,245, and Carroll Township, $135,741, both for operations and safety; and California, $190,000 for vehicle acquisition