November 17, 2005

Rep. Pitts announces grant for Susquehanna Fire and Rescue

Washington—Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today announced that the Susquehanna Fire and Rescue Company Number 4 has been awarded $162,379 for fire operations and firefighter safety.  The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration.

“Our local fire departments are the first responders when tragedy strikes, yet too often they lack sufficient funding to protect our safety,” said Pitts.  “I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security is supporting our firefighting personnel in Columbia by making this grant available.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters and the services they deliver.  For the 2005 program, Congress appropriated, and President Bush signed into law, $650 million in direct assistance to firefighters to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations and firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States.

The grant will specifically be used for operations and firefighting safety programs, which includes training, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness promotion, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

**PRESS AVAILABILITY**

Unless the House is in session, Congressman Pitts will be in Columbia on Saturday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m. to present representatives of the Susquehanna Fire and Rescue Company Number 4 with a check for the amount of the grant. This presentation is open to the press.  Susquehanna Fire and Rescue Company Number 4 is located at 10^th and Manor Streets in Columbia, PA.

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