Pennsylvania fire department receives FEMA grant

The Reliance Fire Company No. 1 in Berwick, Pa., recently received a $119,610 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

Established in 2001, the AFG program provides firefighters and other first responders with the funds to purchase equipment, emergency vehicles, and protective gear, and to facilitate training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and other hazards.

“When I talk with volunteers and employees at fire departments across the 11th District, I consistently hear about the funding and personnel challenges they face,” U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) said. “Our fire departments and emergency responders are the first line of defense in our neighborhoods when disaster strikes, and with the help of these grants, we can ensure they have the funding, personnel, and equipment they need to stay safe while protecting our communities.”

The Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company in Freeland, Pa., was awarded $55,143 from AFG in July.

Nationwide, 490 fire departments and first responders were awarded grants beginning July 13 for fiscal year 2017. Grants range from $3,750 to $1.5 million. The largest grant was awarded to the St. Charles Fire Department in St. Charles, Ill.