“These grants allow our local volunteer firefighters, who are also our friends and neighbors, to purchase equipment that they otherwise would be unable to get themselves,” Shuster said.  “This grant program really helps small and rural fire companies stay ahead of the curve so that they can do their jobs safely and effectively.”

“On behalf of the Hustontown Volunteer Fire Company, I would like to thank Congressman Bill Shuster for his continued support on these much needed grants,” Said Darius DeShong, Chief of the fire department.  “Without these grants, volunteer fire companies wouldn’t be able to keep up with the constant changes and requirements of the fire service. This grant will help preserve the safety and health of our volunteers.  We hope that Congressman Shuster will continue to support these grants in the future.”

“I congratulate the firefighters of the Hustontown Area Volunteer Fire Company for their great work and their success in securing this grant,” Shuster added.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments and rescue personnel to support the nation's first responders and the services they deliver. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.