DOWNINGTOWN — U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) announced last week that borough firefighters will receive $33,429 for operations and safety thanks to a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work cooperatively with U.S. Fire Administration to provide funding critical to helping firefighters protect themselves and the communities they serve.
“I am pleased that Downingtown firefighters will receive funds vital to modernize lifesaving devices and enhance response capabilities,” Costello said. “These grants will help volunteer first responders continue to provide excellent service to more effectively protect the health and safety of our communities.”
Since coming into Congress, Congressman Costello has made it a point to identify ways to be an advocate for our local first responders. As a member of the House EMS caucus, he has called for continued support of the AFG program.
In Fiscal Year 2014, FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will award approximately *$340 million directly to fire departments and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
The AFG will award approximately $304.5 million in competitive grants to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies during FY 2014. The application period opened on November 4, 2014, and closed on December 5. Funding for vehicles is limited to 25 percent of the total 2014 AFG appropriation. No less than 3.5 percent of appropriated funds ($11.9 million) must be awarded for EMS equipment and training grants for both fire-department-based and non-affiliated EMS organizations.
Costello represents portions of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery Counties. Visit Costello.house.gov for more information.
