Local Pennsylvania fire departments to receive thousands in federal grant funds

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) helped secure almost $1 million in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program for three more Pennsylvania fire departments.

These latest grants now mean that Fitzpatrick has delivered over $1.6 million in fiscal year 2023 funding to local fire departments, EMS, and rescue squads in his home state.

The latest FEMA AFG grants total more than $964,000. Almost $613,364 will go to the Edgely Fire Company; $302,347 for the Quakertown Fire Department; and $48,393 for the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company.

“As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, one of my top priorities is fighting for the safety of the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our community,” Fitzpatrick said on Aug. 16.

“This critical funding for the hero firefighters of the Edgely, Quakertown, and Plumsteadville Fire Departments is more than an investment in new equipment and gear,” added the congressman, “it is an investment in their ability to confront danger with unwavering resolve, ensuring they can safely and successfully face even the fiercest of challenges.”

With the funding, Edgely Fire Company will buy 173 sets of cutting-edge structural firefighting gear for firefighters across four municipalities — Bristol Township, Bristol Borough, Falls Township, and Morrisville Borough.

“We are incredibly thankful for the $631,000 grant from the AFG program, which will provide much-needed new structural gear for our dedicated volunteer firefighters,” said Company Chief Brian Cirard. “This grant, awarded to multiple fire departments from several municipalities, not only ensures the safety of our teams but also opens up funding for other important projects.”

The Quakertown Fire Department will use its grant funds to replace aging equipment, including hoses, nozzles, and appliances, and to purchase tools for extinguishing fires and safeguarding firefighters.

“This is such critical equipment as it is used not only to extinguish fire, but also to protect firefighters and occupants of burning buildings,” Quakertown Fire Department Vice President Kris Lehman said. “This was a regional project which included Quakertown Fire Department, Central Berks Fire Co No 1, Keystone Fire Co 1 of Shillington Pa., and Volunteer Fire Company of Womelsdorf, Pa.

“The Quakertown Fire Department and our regional partners cannot overstate our gratitude to FEMA, as well as our representation from Brian Fitzpatrick that makes these grants possible,” he added.

Federal grant funds for the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company will be used to acquire state-of-the-art gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras, which will help firefighters navigate toxic environments and ensure they remain protected.

“The officers and members of the Plumsteadville Fire Company are extremely excited to receive this grant as it provides us necessary equipment without the financial burden that normally accompanies it,” said Chief Marc Longo.

Fitzpatrick also recently secured FEMA AFG funds for: the Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department ($130,727); the Sellersville Fire Department ($163,667); the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad ($90,416); the Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS ($43,486); and the Richlandtown Fire Company ($251, 653).

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