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Immediate Release Representative Pitts Applauds Fire Dept. Grants Departments in Brownstown and Columbia to receive awards under Department of Homeland Security grant program Washington– The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) yesterday announced the awarding of grants to two Lancaster County first responder units through its Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. West Earl Fire Company No. 1 in Brownstown will receive $114,065 for operations and safety, and Columbia No. 1 Fire Department in Columbia will receive $222,001 for vehicle acquisition. Congressman Pitts’ statement follows: “It is vital that we provide firefighters with the resources they need to provide emergency assistance in the communities they serve,” Congressman Pitts said. “We must continue to make investments in our emergency response capability at all levels. I am pleased Columbia and West Earl were chosen from the large applicant pool for these funds to assist in that effort.” Background The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is part of the federal government’s coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. Since 2001, over $3.3 billion in AFG funds have been distributed to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles. AFG is a highly competitive program. DHS received more than 20,000 applications in 2007. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Using a competitive process overseen by fire service subject matter experts, AFG awards grants to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG program. ### |
